SAN DIEGO — For over three decades, Southern California anglers have started their weekends with a familiar rhythm: rods, reels, and radio waves. “Let’s Talk Hookup,” hosted by Pete Gray and co-hosted by “Rock Cod” Rick Maxa and Cory Sanden, airs live every Saturday and Sunday from 7;00 to 9:00 a.m. on 97.3 FM The Fan. Becoming an institution in the regional sportfishing scene, the show offers the latest reports, expert insights, and a place for the fishing community to come together. Created by Pete Gray in 1991, the show combines his decades-long career in radio with his deep love for fishing. “Let’s Talk Hookup” has grown from a local broadcast into the most successful fishing radio show ever produced in Southern California.
The San Diego based show has let Gray combine his decades-long career in radio with his deep love for fishing.
“I started Let’s Talk Hookup in September 1991 as something fun to do on the side at a Carlsbad radio station where I was the sales manager,” Gray said. “Our first guest was the legendary Captain Bill Poole… at the end of the show he said, ‘Kid, you got something here.’ And I never looked back.”
Soon after that first episode, Gray left his radio sales job and dedicated himself full-time to the show. In the early days, when the internet didn’t exist as a resource for anglers, Gray explained how he got the ball rolling.
“We were the only fresh source of fishing reports and information,” Gray said. As the media landscape evolved, the show expanded to multiple platforms and continues to thrive across livestreams, podcast archives, YouTube, Facebook Live, and smart speaker access.
One of the show’s defining features is its direct link to the fishing industry through weekly expert guests. “We feature a different expert guest every show, and this connection allows listeners to talk directly to the people that make up sportfishing in San Diego and Southern California,” Gray said. This unique platform not only educates but drives the local industry. “When we give out information about a particular piece of tackle that’s working, the tackle dealers see an influx of people coming to buy it. When we feature a particular boat and captain, it helps put passengers on the boat.”
Beyond the mic, Gray is a passionate advocate for sustainable fishing. “We promote and encourage you to take only what you need and release the rest,” he said. He points to the rebound of the bluefin tuna fishery as an example. “When bluefin tuna was in trouble, they dropped the limit from 10 to 2 per day, and we were fully behind this change. Now we have a vibrant fishery once again.”
Gray is also deeply involved in conservation and youth outreach. He serves on the board of directors for CCA California and Captain Rollo’s Kids at Sea. “Many times, this is the first introduction to the ocean for many of these kids, and this can change a life for the better,” he added.
What sets the show apart is its real-time connection to the water. Listeners hear from on-the-water captains, regional guides, tackle experts, and notable figures in both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Each episode features expert guests and live call-ins, allowing listeners to engage with professionals in the moment. Callers can reach the show at 833-288-0973 or text through the Let’s Talk Hookup App, where all on-air participants are entered into prize drawings.
The show provides reports from as far south as Baja California to as far north as Alaska, covering everything from fly fishing for rainbow trout to targeting massive yellowfin and bluefin tuna. It’s more than entertainment; it’s a vital information source for the recreational and professional fishing community.
Maxa, who joined the show as a fan-turned-host, brings youthful energy and firsthand expertise to every broadcast. He started fishing with his father as a toddler and has since built a professional career in tackle at Fisherman’s Landing, where he serves as assistant manager. His practical knowledge and enthusiasm are evident in every segment.
“I started out just listening to the show and eventually ended up on the other side of the mic,” Maxa says. “Now I get to share what I’ve learned and keep learning from the best anglers in the business.”
Guest host Cory Sanden also brings decades of SoCal fishing experience to the airwaves. Born and raised on local lakes and coastal waters, Sanden worked in the bait industry and at Seaforth Sportfishing before founding MC Swimbaits. His inshore knowledge runs deep, shaped by years of direct involvement with the marine ecosystem and the local fleet.
Let’s Talk Hookup is more than just a talk show. It’s a launchpad for community experiences. Through their online trip calendar, the show offers access to specially priced fishing charters across Baja and Southern California. From long-range tuna trips to local coastal excursions, these adventures reflect the same passion that fuels the show — a love for the sea and the thrill of the catch. While trips are booked directly through tour operators and boats, the show helps make the connection.
In 2025, the guest lineup continues to impress, including heavy hitters from every corner of the fishing industry. Scheduled appearances include:
- June 14: Dale Hightower from Seaguar
- June 15: Speed jigging experts Brandon Nelson and Max Dispito
- June 21: Tim and Duke Ekstrom from the Royal Star
- June 22: Dave and Nancy Marciano, and Bob Cooke from Wicked Tuna
- June 28: Jim Hendricks from Salt Water Sportsman and CCA
- June 29: Robbie Gant from AFTCO
These conversations go far beyond casual chatter. They dive deep into tackle innovation, fishery management, trip planning, and the changing conditions of the ocean — all topics that affect Southern California’s tight-knit fishing and boating community.
Listeners can also download the free Let’s Talk Hookup App on the App Store or Google Play to listen live, catch archived shows, and interact directly during broadcasts. The app expands accessibility to anglers on the move — whether they’re casting off from San Pedro, running long out of San Diego, or rigging up for a trip to Cedros Island.
At its core, “Let’s Talk Hookup” is a celebration of the Southern California fishing lifestyle. It honors the culture that thrives from harbor towns to offshore banks, championing responsible practices and building camaraderie among those who live their lives around the sea. As the region’s sportfishing voice, the show continues to inspire, inform, and unite a community of anglers with every broadcast.
For more information, upcoming trips, or to listen live, visit letstalkHookup.com.
