Episode 130: John Abplanalp - Life of the Party

John Abplanalp has lived an extraordinary life centered around
fishing, including being one of the pioneers on the flats of
Montauk, where he was among the first to sight-cast for striped
bass from his skiff. His family was fortunate to pursue big dreams,
thanks to his father, who designed and invented the aerosol valve
used in spray cans. Fast forward a few years, and after his father
purchased the small island of Walker's Cay in the Bahamas, John
found himself chasing his newfound passion for bonefish. Walker's
Cay became the jumping off point for Flip Pallot’s iconic show,
Walker's Cay Chronicles, which captivated audiences and drew them
in heart and soul. John and a group of like-minded friends often
used the island's freighter, the Sea Lion V, as their base for
fishing, sleeping, and partying—all without a care in the world.
Years later, many of these individuals, including legends like
Kreh, Pallot, Cardenas, Popovics, and Dixon, have become household
names, representing some of the luckiest and most influential
figures in the fishing world. In today’s podcast, John takes us on
a nostalgic journey back to those unforgettable days, sharing his
passion for both the sport and his ongoing efforts to support
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) in their mission to preserve
these incredible species for future generations.