Hey, I’m Zach Smolskis, founder of Saltwater Tales, based out of the beautiful coast of New Jersey.

I’ve always had a deep love for the water and being out on the boat. Before fishing took over my world, I grew up racing motocross — starting at age 3 and working my way up to the semi-pro level. After stepping away from racing, I spent three years filming motocross and off-road racing. But eventually, I craved a change of scenery from the track I’d known my whole life.

That’s when I dove headfirst into fishing — and it instantly clicked. The adrenaline rush of chasing giant bluefin tuna or popping yellowfin tuna reminded me of racing: the nonstop motion, the hunt, the heart-pounding excitement. It felt like a natural transition.

I started Saltwater Tales as a way to document and share our passion — through raw, cinematic films that capture what we love about this lifestyle. The apparel side grew out of that same desire: to turn our experiences into something you can wear and represent with pride. What started as a passion project has turned into a way to connect with amazing people who share that same saltwater soul.

My goal with Saltwater Tales is to build a community — a crew of people who love the ocean, the chase, the story, and the lifestyle that comes with it.

Let’s keep making waves.