The captains and pros listed below are among the very best in the sport of saltwater fishing. Their attention to detail and ability to consistently locate and catch specific game fish is unparalleled; even the most seasoned veterans can learn something from them. Each one has played an integral part in the continuing success of my World of Saltwater Fishing television series and I gratefully acknowledge their friendships and contributions.

CAPTAIN SCOTT WENZEL - Cutting his fishing teeth on the waters off South Florida and the Florida Keys, Scott charters his 29-foot center console out of Islamorada's World Wide Sportsman. In addition, the USCG licensed captain is also a PADI Freediving Instructor who has personally attained a depth of 150 feet. In addition to staying well-booked as a fishing guide, Scott is also a videographer and part of the production team for George Poveromo's World of Saltwater Fishing. 4reel-charters.com; 954-829-5884.

CAPTAIN JOT OWENS - A native of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, Jot has been fishing the local waters his entire life. He specializes in light tackle and fly fishing for flounder, red drum, speckled trout, sheepshead and tarpon, as well as Spanish and King mackerel, groupers, snappers and cobia a bit farther offshore. He's regarded as one of the best at fishing the Cape Fear River and Masonboro Sound flats. www.captainjot.com; 910-233-4139.

CAPTAIN DJ BARRIOS - A 4th generation fisherman born and raised in the Florida Keys, DJ has been fishing the waters off Key West his entire life. DJ has worked side-by-side with his grandfather, Captain Joe Mercurio, who has been fishing in Key West for over 50 years. DJ operates a 27-foot center console and is also available for charter fishing aboard private boats. Roughshotcharters.com; 305-509-3390.

CAPTAIN CORY CROCHETIERE - A master at 'jig & pop'� tactics for bluefin and yellowfin tunas, Cory bases out of Connecticut, but also runs charters from Long Island, New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He's skilled at all aspects of New England offshore fishing, from live-baiting to trolling. He's also a specialist at targeting trophy striped bass, wherever they migrate within New England waters. Instagram: @sikk_addiktion; Email: Saltjunki8@yahoo.com; 203-858-1857.

CLAY & STEPHANIE COWART - Clay and Stephanie Cowart spent their childhood boating and fishing throughout the Florida Keys, where they eventually met one Sandbar Sunday. From then on, they started a life together with a deep passion driven towards spending time on the water. They have leveraged the internet with high quality content creation to sell clothing, real estate, and market the marine industry. They continue to post new content on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. YouTube: Life by the Bow; Website: LifebytheBow.com; 305-510-7367.

CRAIG HARDIE - A 30-year firefighter and paramedic with the Hialeah Fire Department, Craig Hardie is also an ardent saltwater angler. The Key Biscayne resident grew up on and fishing about the island for bonefish, tarpon, snook, permit, groupers and snappers. When he's not chasing his favorite game fish - the tarpon, he's usually fishing offshore and in Bimini aboard his 21-foot Mako. Gowdy425@yahoo.com; 305-342-8754.

CAPTAIN NICK STANCZYK - Hailing from a fishing family which includes his uncle, Captain Scott Stanczyk - skipper of the fabled Islamorada, Florida Keys, charter boat, Catch 22, and father, Richard Stanczyk - of Bud & Mary's fame, Nick knows these waters like few others. Aboard his charter boat Broad Minded, Nick specializes in reef- and offshore fishing. However, he's best known for his daytime swordfishing, which his father, uncle, Vic Gaspeny and he pioneered off the Florida Keys. Instagram: @captnickstanczyk; Facebook: Capt. Nick Stanczyk; 305-481-0366.

CAPTAIN TOM DAFFIN - With over 30 years of experience in fishing the waters off New Jersey, Tom enjoys an enviable reputation for putting clients on trophy fish, whether they're striped bass, fluke, tog, tunas or sharks. His knowledge of catching tunas, dolphin and marlin also keeps him in high demand for canyon charters. Tom is based in Cape May, but often runs out of Atlantic City during the winter for striped bass and tog; fishinfeversportfishing.com; 609-868-6014.

CAPTAIN TIM CARLILE  Having fished the backcountry waters behind Sugarloaf Key since he was 18 years old, and learning under his father Cliff, Tim Carlile is a legend in these parts. His specialty is catching bonefish, as is evident by his numerous tournament accomplishments. He's equally skilled at putting clients on tarpon, permit and "fun fish" the likes of jack Crevalle, Mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel. His expertise is matched only by his quick wit! Contact Tim at www.fishsugarloafkey.com; 305-304-4834.

MARK DANIELS, JR. - A three-time tour-level winner who competed in both the FLW Tour and Bassmaster Elite Series before joining the MLF Bass Pro Tour, Mark Daniels Jr. fished his way into the ranks of high-level professional bass events by winning the 2013 TBF National Championship. Although a noted freshwater pro, Mark also enjoys saltwater fishing when the opportunity presents itself. YouTube: Mark Daniels Jr.; Instagram: @markdanielsjr; 707-333-3569.