Ryan Griffin
Fisherman & Chef
Intro
Ryan Griffin was drawn to the ocean from an early age, thanks to his grandfather, who taught him to fish. While his family has deep roots in the West Coast music industry, sparking his own love for music, Ryan’s true calling was always the sea. From the beginning, he knew he’d be a professional fisherman, with his life forever tied to the water. For Ryan, fishing is more than just a career: it’s a way of life, a pursuit of excellence, and a commitment to sustainability. He approaches his craft with mindfulness, always respecting the ocean and the life it provides. Ryan is also an expert in high-end culinary arts, working as a private chef in the yacht industry, where he transforms the freshest fish into world-class dishes. When he’s not offshore fishing, you’ll find him surfing west coast swells, fly fishing from a kayak, tending to his garden, listening to music, or cooking up something incredible.
Q&A
What is your profession? Did you always know this is what you would end up doing or was it something you “stumbled into”?
I work as a professional fisherman, captain, and chef in the private yacht industry and some commercial. I knew from a very young age I would work in the fishing industry.
Favorite movie?
I always loved the Terminator Movies since I was a kid.
Favorite book?
John Steinbeck “The Log From The Sea Of Cortex”
Most inspiring quote, piece of art, saying, or advice that has impacted the way you live today?
My favorite quote- “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity” I think when it comes to being a successful fisherman or hunter these are words to live by. They have proven to be true through many of my personal victories. When I was younger someone told me to never compare myself to anyone because comparison is the thief of joy. Those words have stuck with me ever since.
When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?
If the weather permits I am out fishing on my personal boat or launching my kayak with a fly rod somewhere. I surf and spend as much time in the outdoors as I can manage. This includes a lot of gardening at home. Cooking is a huge passion as well.
Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?
Throughout southern Baja
Bucket list destination you haven’t been yet?
New Zealand and Japan
You get to have drinks with anyone (dead or alive) - who are you calling?
Bob Marley and My Grandparents.
What advice would you give an 18-year-old that wants to do what you do?
Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Show up and give 100 percent. Your word is your reputation. Don’t ever burn a bridge.
Any guilty pleasures?
Spending too much money on fishing gear…
Favorite wild meat/fish to eat? (i.e. venison, dove, quail, king fish, redfish, etc.) And in what kind of meal do you prepare it/eat it?
I am a huge fan of wahoo and grouper. Both are so versatile. Wahoo for sashimi and ceviche. Grouper fried crispy with panko. Hard to beat.
What’s your favorite element of Turtlebox? (battery life, durability, waterproofness, sound, togetherness, elevating experiences)
Battery life is a huge element for me. It has come in handy on several camping trips and multi day fishing trips where charging was not an option. The rugged design has held up to some serious abuse on and off the water. I love that it’s waterproof. It sits on the back of my skiff and just gets belted by salt water. It falls off my kayak and floats. I strap it to my E-bike and rip to the beach while it gets rattled and bounced. Still works flawlessly. I think my favorite is the true left right audio when you have 2 of them paired together. Strong bass and crisp sound no matter what volume. It has completely changed the experience and dynamic of my time on and off the water. Especially standing out when I have them on my personal boat. Everyone loves them and always is blown away by the clean crisp sound pouring out. In comparison to the sound system I have installed on my skiff there is nothing to compare, The Turtlebox is in a class of its own.
How do you use your Turtlebox
I literally use it everywhere. At home in my kitchen or in the backyard. When I am working in the garage. When I listen to vinyl records I blue tooth it to the Turtlebox. When I go to the beach or camping. I won’t leave the dock without them on the boat. They are part of my everyday gear.
Name the most famous contact in your phone
Steve Lassley
