Where are all the Striped Bass? With Peter Jenkins

My guest this week is Peter Jenkins [28:08], owner of the Saltwater Edge in Rhode Island and chairman of the American Saltwater Guides Association. Peter is a lifelong striper addict and has also followed the plight of the striped bass and the many management plans that try to preserve this valuable resource. He talks about the history of striped bass populations, why they are in decline right now, and what can be done to get back to the "glory days" of the late 1990s.

In the Fly Box this week, I try to answer the following questions:
What are tipping guidelines for a fishing guide in Italy?
Are big articulated streamers mostly for targeting trophy fish?
I had three fish completely swallow my dry fly. Do you have any insights on why they do that sometimes?
Is it wise to sometimes start with a small fly rather than a large one?
If I only have a leader and tippet on the water, should I still mend? Is it OK to have drag if only the leader and tippet are on the water?
I am going to Patagonia this year. Should I bring my own gear? They recommend 6 and 7-weight rods and I only have a 4-weight and 5-weight.  Should I ask if I can tie my own knots?
What flies do you recommend for bigmouth and smallmouth buffalo?
My stream has lots of weed on the bottom, and my nymphs and streamers keep getting coated with weed. How can I fix this?