Curiosity, Conservation, and the Catch: A Conversation with Captain Cody Rubner

At the intersection of conservation, science, and saltwater adventure, you’ll find Captain Cody Rubner—a U.S. Coast Guard licensed guide and the founder of High Roller Guide Service based in Stuart, Florida. With a background in marine biology, years of media production for top-tier fishing brands, and a deep-rooted love for the ocean, Cody brings a unique voice to the modern angling world.

We sat down with Cody on the Saltwater Edge Podcast to talk about his journey, the fishery in Stuart, his guiding philosophy, and the critical role he plays in fisheries conservation through organizations like the American Saltwater Guides Association and Captains for Clean Water.

From Cape Cod to Stuart: A Lifelong Passion for Fish

Cody’s story starts in Centerville, Cape Cod, where striped bass fishing with his dad sparked a fascination that never left. While other hobbies came and went, fishing stuck—and eventually steered him toward a degree in marine biology at the University of Maine.

Why marine science? For Cody, the ocean offered a perfect match for his endlessly curious brain. “You can’t complete it,” he says. “There’s always something new to learn, and I need that.”

From Media to the Helm

Before guiding full time, Cody made waves in the outdoor media world—producing content and campaigns for industry leaders like Costa, Shimano, and G. Loomis. But when the pandemic hit, Cody saw an opportunity: take the leap into guiding and conservation work full time.

That leap was fueled by purpose. “When you love something, why wouldn’t you want to protect it?” Cody says. His passion for preserving fish and habitat evolved naturally as his knowledge of ecosystems, water quality, and fisheries policy deepened.

A Year-Round Fishery with Incredible Variety

Stuart, FL is uniquely positioned at the convergence of freshwater and saltwater systems: the St. Lucie River, Indian River Lagoon, and the Atlantic Ocean all collide here. Add the proximity of the Gulf Stream, and you’ve got one of the most dynamic fisheries in the U.S.

Here’s just a sample of what Cody targets throughout the year:

• Winter: Snook, pompano, and (in recent years) schools of large bluefish finning in shallow flats like tarpon.

• Spring: Migrating jack crevalle and tarpon, shallow-water permit on structure, and seasonal bonefish.

• Summer: Albies pushing 20+ lbs, summer sailfish, blackfin tuna, and nearshore mahi—sometimes just a mile off the beach.

• Fall: The famous mullet run, offshore tuna, and a wide-open menu of opportunities.

“It’s a variety lover’s dream,” Cody says. “But you have to be ready to roll with the punches.”

Teaching, Not Just Guiding

Ask Cody about his favorite part of guiding, and he won’t talk about catching fish himself. He’ll talk about helping someone else land the fish they’ve dreamed about for a lifetime.

“Guiding lets me teach and share what I love,” Cody says. “And honestly, I’d rather watch someone stick an 18-inch snook on the fly than catch a 50 myself.”

It’s that teaching mindset that carries into his conservation work—whether it’s testifying before management councils or breaking down complex policies into plain English.

Conservation Work: Walking the Walk

Cody is deeply involved with two organizations fighting for better fisheries and cleaner water: the American Saltwater Guides Association and Captains for Clean Water.

• Captains for Clean Water focuses on Everglades restoration and stopping polluted discharges from Lake Okeechobee that devastate estuaries.

• ASGA advocates for science-backed fisheries management that prioritizes abundance and long-term sustainability.

Both organizations share a unique strength: authentic voices with skin in the game. As Cody puts it: “We’re not politicians or PhDs in a lab. We’re the ones who lose our livelihoods when the fish disappear.”

Advice for Visiting Anglers

Thinking about fishing around Stuart this winter? Cody recommends:

• Fly: A 3-4” white baitfish pattern (like a deceiver) will cover snook, jacks, and more.

• Spin: A small, subtle swimbait works wonders—especially when fish are keying in on microbaits.

And if you want to up your odds, consider hiring a guide. As Cody says, “Even if you’ve fished your whole life, there’s no replacement for local knowledge.”

Final Word: Turn Curiosity into Action

Captain Cody Rubner is proof that passion, education, and purpose can fuel real change—on the water and off. Whether he’s teaching a client to land their first tarpon or helping guide national fisheries policy, Cody is all in.

And the takeaway? Don’t just love fishing. Protect it.

📍 Want to fish with Cody?
Check out High Roller Guide Servicefor Stuart, Florida fishing trips.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your fix.

🧢 Support fisheries conservation by becoming a member of the American Saltwater Guides Association or Captains for Clean Water.