On this day, linebacker Matt Roth caught a dolphin fish.

 

“I always want to go against predators.”

Name: Matt Roth.

Profession: Linebacker. Roth was waived by the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 24 and picked up by the Cleveland Browns.

Adventure Sport: Fishing.

Matt Roth, 27, grew up in Illinois and starred at the University of Iowa but adapted well to Miami, including to the waters where he likes to fish.

South Florida Adventures: Why do you fish?

Roth: It’s relaxing and I like to be on the water. It’s something you can do to have fun with your buddies.

SFA: When and how did you start fishing?

Roth: I used to mess around with fishing when we had a pond by my house when I was little. Then when I came down here, I go whenever anyone wants to take me because I don’t have a boat. That’s basically how I started fishing down here. I got involved in the Miami Dolphins Foundation Fishing Tournament. I love deep-sea fishing but I don’t have a boat so it’s whoever and whenever someone wants to take me. I’ve got a rod at home I keep in the garage. I fish in the ponds by me.

SFA: Who do you fish with?

Roth: I’ve gone with my buddy Eric Steinbach from the Cleveland Browns. We caught a big bull shark. We had it right up to the boat and were about to shoot it, but then we lost it. It was a 1,000-pound shark and I wanted to put it on my wall.

SFA: What kind of fishing rod do you use?

Roth: I use whatever they bring me.

SFA: Do you prefer saltwater or freshwater fishing?

Roth: I like deep-sea fishing because I like it to be worth my time. I hate pulling up a little two- or three-pound fish. I want something I have excitement catching. I always want to go against predators and catch a big shark or a big barracuda – something that eats other fish. I’m not really into sports fishing except maybe marlin. I like going after exotic fish like sharks. That’s fun.

SFA: What other sports do you participate in?

Roth: Boxing, and I liked skiing before I started getting paid to play football. I like snow-skiing and water-skiing.

SFA: What do you like about boxing?

Roth: I like that it’s one-on-one. It doesn’t matter how bad or good a team could be. In team sports, you could win or lose and it’s not necessarily how you did or what you did. In fighting or boxing, it’s all on you. You’re as good as you want to be.