Legacy of Angler-Focused Reporting
Sportfishing Report was born before the turn of the century, with a clear mission to provide timely and detailed fish counts for all sportfishing boats. We officially launched to the public on January 1, 2000, aiming to revolutionize how anglers access fishing information. In the past, the LA Times provided dock total reports, but these reports lacked specifics, only offering aggregate numbers. We changed that by breaking down the fish counts by individual boats and delivering updates in real-time. Instead of waiting for the morning paper, our users could access the latest data by 8PM every night.
Partnering with the Industry
In our early days, our sister company, TECKnet, offered website development services for fishing boats and landings throughout Southern California. This partnership allowed us to seamlessly integrate fish counts, not only on Sportfishing Report but also directly on the websites of our clients. This synergy quickly made us the go-to source for accurate and timely fishing updates.
Rapid Growth and Expansion
As demand for reliable fishing information grew, so did Sportfishing Report. We became the primary resource for the charter boat fleet, rapidly expanding our coverage to include Northern California and beyond. Our reputation for accuracy and speed helped us become the trusted source for anglers across multiple states.
Meet Our Founder: Chad Woods
Chad Woods is the visionary founder of Sportfishing Report. Chad’s journey combines a lifelong passion for fishing with a strong background in technology and business. He grew up in Ventura County, where he developed his love for the sport during half-day trips out of Oxnard and Malibu, and frequent fishing excursions in the June Lake Loop. Chad honed his skills on Westlake, mastering both freshwater and saltwater fishing throughout Southern California and the Sierras.
Chad attended Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino before pursuing higher education at Southern Methodist University, where he earned a business degree in finance in 1990. It was during his college years in the late 1980s that Chad learned to program, sparking a new interest that would become the catalyst for creating Sportfishing Report. By combining his technical skills with his deep-rooted passion for fishing, Chad built a platform that transformed how anglers access fishing information.
From Freshwater to Saltwater: Expanding Our Coverage
Our evolution didn’t stop with saltwater reports. Recognizing the need for comprehensive coverage, we expanded into freshwater fishing hotspots across California, including San Diego County, Los Angeles County, the Eastern Sierra, Central California, and Northern California. These reports are powered by a network of trusted professionals, including marinas, tackle shops, and fishing guides, ensuring you get the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sportfishing Report
As we look to the future, Sportfishing Report continues to innovate and grow. We are developing regional websites to serve anglers in new territories, including Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and Idaho. Our vision is to provide localized fishing reports and resources, bringing our expertise to every corner of the West. Stay tuned as we expand our influence and continue to be the primary source of fishing information for enthusiasts everywhere.
