March 31, 2005 1:12 PM

Mike Baxter - Show Originator and Host

While running as Captain aboard the WILD WAVE I decided to host an annual trip called media day. It was a great success; we had a good time bringing a nice assortment of outdoor writers together for a fun filled day of Salmon fishing. The first year we had friendly competition and everyone went home with fresh Salmon. The next year was looking very tough I grew more and more stressed as a nightmare of a day began to unfold. I had some of the most respected people in the sport fishing industry aboard and we had no fish to photograph. I was working every radio on the boat; single side ban, two VHF radios, a CB, and my cell phone. Michael Olsen the general manager from KSCO was discussing the need for a local fishing talk show at the station. I was over whelmed with a desire to catch a salmon for the media group on the boat at that time. Until he looked at me as I used all these radios and said, “You are already in radio!” That was four years ago and we are now on our fifth season of the show.

I have learned a lot about talk radio since then. I have had many trying times while continuing the show. Each road block was rewarded by support from listeners and sponsors. As they say the show must go on.

I grew up as a young boy fishing in the Monterey Bay. We commercial fished part time and always enjoyed sport fishing. At the age of 19 I had spent a few years commercial fishing for a living. I went to San Diego to work on the Long Range Sport Fishing Boats. I earned my 100 ton Captains License after a couple years. I have spent time working on boats in Hawaii. I enjoyed working in Alaska for two seasons. I have been running Charter boats for a living for the past 13 years. I have enjoyed the opportunity to share my experiences in the fishing business with the community. I have been able to utilize the connections I have made in my travels to bring our area a fantastic fish-talk radio show. I feel privileged to have the guest speakers we have had on the show as well. No one of us knows more than all of us. With that mentality we are learning a lot from the show and cover important political topics. TUNE IN!

Allen Bushnell - Co-Host and Deckhand

Seven years ago, Mike Baxter gave me a call and asked if I’d work on the show with him because of my passion for fishing and my experience in the broadcast industry. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance!

I’ve had the privilege of working with Mike in the studio, arranging interviews with fishing guides and other experts, dealing with technical difficulties, and most of all having a blast every Thursday night between 7 and 8pm! I bill myself as “a learner” and I’m grateful to be privy to Mike’s expertise as well as the tips, tricks, and techniques of our expert fishing guests.

In the meantime, I’ve taken on the duties of writing the weekly fish report for the Santa Cruz Sentinel, and feature articles for that publication and other publications. Additionally, I run a kayak fishing guide service "Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing." and work closely with Ocean Kayaks as their saltwater fisherman representative. My primary focus remains with the LGF Show, and I’m not kidding when I tell Mike “it’s the highlight of my week!”