There aren’t many reel manufacturers that would be brave enough to test their hottest new reel by driving over it with a truck, but Quantum isn’t your ordinary reel manufacturer. The new Exo reel not only looks good, but it’s tough too!
September 17, 2011 by Clive Mathias Filed Under: Entertainment, Enthusiast, Fishing, Fishing Reels, Gear, United States, Videos
Tagged: Quantum EXO, Road test, Silverado, Trucks
Fish Itch is a group buy site for fisherman that raises money for conservation by offering discounted fishing tackle in short-term deals. How does it work? Simple, you register for an account and get notified when new deals are available if you like what you see, buy it!
Right now Fish Itch is doing a group buy for a 4-pack of Shark Tooth line keepers/cutters- another perfect example of “why didn’t I think of that?!” The Shark Tooth is kind of like the ZipCut Pro, except for your spools of line and leader material and not your rod and reel. The Shark Tooth wraps around your standard spool of line keeping it nice and tidy, as well as providing a tool for cleanly cutting just about any line.
September 19, 2011 by Jonathon Marshall Filed Under: Fishing, Fishing Line, Gear, News, Online Tools
Tagged: cutters, fish itch, fisherman, fishing tackle, group buy, group on, leader material, money, rod and reel, shark tooth, spools
I’m no die-hard walleye fisherman, but I’ve seen a few big walleye in my life time. At no point have I ever laid my eyes on one this big though!
The fish in the video above weighted 16 pounds at 32 inches long, with 20 inches of girth! If I hadn’t seen this on video, I’d suspect that the guys we’re drinking heavily and miss-identified a pike, but the video proves otherwise.
The current world record walleye is held by Al Nelson’s 22-pound 11-ounce walleye caught in Fairfield Bay on Greer’s Lake, Arkansas in 1982. But a 25-pounder was once caught in the Niagara River- though it was snagged by a salmon fisherman and did not qualify.
September 19, 2011 by Jonathon Marshall Filed Under: Fishing
Tagged: Amazing, big fish, die hard, fairfield bay, girth, lake arkansas, niagara river, omg, pounder, walleye fisherman, world record walleye
When a 47 meter long yacht simply wont do, one really has no choice but to spend an extra £100 million on an upgrade. Meet Kirsty Bertarelli’s new mega yacht, the Vava II, an incredible 96-metre six-deck yacht designed for the super elite.
Kristy is the riches woman in the UK and her husband Ernesto is the fifth richest in the UK, so a mere £100 million wasn’t really a big deal. This ridiculous yacht is the largest ever built in Britain and took 200 craftsmen over two years to build!
via Daily Mail
I really avoided the whole cell phone thing for several years until they had the capabilities I wanted. Around this time last year I got Samsung Galaxy S and I haven’t looked back. At times I had wished I had gone with the iPhone 4, but after fixing a few “bugs” with the phone I really do love it now. My only issue with the phone is that I’m terrified to use it near water, which is a bit of a problem when you fish 3-5 times a week like I do. Luckily, Motorola has released a phone recently that I seems to be built with the fisherman in mind. Introducing the Android powered, water resistant, scratch resistant and dust proof Motorola Defy+. While the phone is a little under powered by todays standards, it does boast a 3.7 inch touch display, GPS, a 5 megapixel camera and much more.
Only one problem, you cant get them in North America.
I’m not entirely sure whats going on in this tattoo, but I do know I like it!
Steve Irwin would be proud to see this – the worlds largest crocodile caught alive in the Philippines. These huge crocodiles can be challenging to catch alive, but 100 mean teamed up to make sure this 21 foot croc was caught unharmed. The massive crocodile will become the main attraction at a new Eco-tourism park being built in Agusan.
At least 100 men were required to pull the huge reptile on to the banks of the creek where, after a great deal of difficulty, it was bound up and then lifted by crane on to the back of a truck.
They weren’t going to let the victory pass without having their photo taken, so many of the villagers posed beside their scaly captive before it was driven off to a confined area.
via Daily Mail
Thanks Mike!
Hyper-realism is the next stage for the fishing lure industry. Gone are the days of the simple stick bait, the plastic frog, and the mass manufactured paint job. Today, we have baits that look so much like the real thing that you can’t believe they didn’t just coat a real frog in urethane. Evolve Baits are a prime example of this “hyper-realism”.
Evolve Baits are moulded from one of several three-dimensional hand-carved originals and all baits are hand painted and one-of-a-kind! I haven’t seen one of these up-close and in person, but the detail in the images is absolutely amazing.
We’re hoping to get our hands on one or two of these and do a proper full review so stay tuned. More photos after the break!
September 19, 2011 by Jonathon Marshall Filed Under: Fishing, Fishing Lures, Freshwater, Gear
Tagged: Amazing, fishing lure, frog, hyper realism, next level, paint job, plastic frog, urethane
I know it’s early, and it’s a cold September morning. But that shouldn’t keep you in doors. Pack up the kids and head down to Ontario Place right now for Dave Mercer’s Facts of Fishing Kids Day! There are tons of prizes to be won not to mention fish to be caught. Let’s go!
September 17, 2011 by Jonathon Marshall Filed Under: Culture, Entertainment, Events, Fishing, Freshwater, News, Ontario Place
Tagged: Dave Mercer, Facts Of Fishing, ontario place, prizes
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Boaters who store their boats over the winter in heated storage facilities or garages have it best. But when winter storms bring power outages and the heat goes off, inside temperatures plummet. That's when a good thing can go bad quickly as the boat's motor likely has not been "winterized," causing water in the engine block to freeze. Even a small amount of ice in an engine block can exert tremendous pressure, cracking cylinder walls or other internal engine passageways leading to irreparable harm. And, unfortunately, most boat insurance policies won't compensate the owner as this kind of damage is considered a maintenance issue.
BoatUS says that's where boat owners may want to consider adding supplemental "Freeze Coverage" insurance to their boat's insurance policy to cover the unexpected consequences of winter snow and ice storm power outages. Keep in mind, however, that most insurers only offer this coverage up to the end of October.
"Adding Freeze Coverage costs very little, but will cover freeze-related damage to the single most expensive item aboard a recreational boat - the engine," said BoatUS Vice President of Marine Insurance, Mike Pellerin. BoatUS freeze coverage, for example, starts at $20 and has an October 31 deadline - after which it's unavailable until the following season.
In addition to those who store their boats in inside heated storage, Freeze Coverage may also be a smart option for do-it-yourselfers who want peace of mind and are concerned about possible winterization snafus, or by trailer boaters who occasionally travel south for vacations or fishing trips. "When your return home, any water left in the wrong place can freeze," added Pellerin.
Supplemental Freeze Coverage is usually only offered in regions with consistent below-freezing temperatures, because engine winterization is not optional there. Those in temperate states usually have this feature automatically added to their policy - including all BoatUS policies - but you should check with your insurer.
For more information on boat insurance, or to get a free quote online, go to www.BoatUS.com/insurance or call 800-283-2883.
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About BoatUS:
BoatUS - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money-saving services such as boat insurance. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628. For a free online insurance quote, go to www.BoatUS.com/insurance or call 800-283-2883.
Media Contact
D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
Officials with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) are reminding residents in areas that may be impacted by Tropical Storm Lee that fish kills may occur as a result of the storm. Residents who encounter a fish kill are encouraged to call 1-800-442-2511 immediately to report this fish kill.
Large amounts of rainfall across Southern Louisiana may cause fish kills, particularly in the Lake Verret Complex, Lake Fausse Point or other natural waterbodies surrounded by lands converted from forests to agricultural land. High levels of rainfall may erode organic matter, carrying it into bayous and canals connected to lakes. Organic matter may consume high amounts of dissolved oxygen in the water "suffocating" aquatic life.
Fish kills may also be caused by the rapid mixing of stratified waters or layers of warm oxygenated water over cooler anoxic water. In some instances, the result will be that the water can no longer support underwater life.
In the past, tropical storms have caused fish kills in these types of waterbodies. Localized fish kills may also occur in the Atchafalaya Basin.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana's abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.
Media Contact
Olivia Watkins (225) 610-8660 or owatkins@wlf.la.gov.
LAKE GEORGE, Colo. - Aurora Marine and Great Lakes Marine are presenting the 12th Annual Serious Fishermen Team Pike Tournament, produced by the 11 Mile Marina and hosted by Eleven Mile State Park, on Saturday, September 10. The contest begins one half hour before sunrise and ends at 3 p.m. Teams will consist of two anglers who may fish from boat or shore. Last year, contestants weighed in over 450 pounds of northern pike.
The entry fee is $125.00 per team in advance and $150.00 the day of the contest. Twenty percent of the field will win cash for the heaviest total weight for up to ten northern pike and $20.00 of each entry is dedicated to the Big Fish Pot, which is awarded for the heaviest fish of the day. All contestants are eligible to win a new boat, motor and trailer worth $25,000 sponsored by Great Lakes Marine and Aurora Marine.
For details and entry forms go to www.11milesports.com or pick up at Valley Country Tackle, Discount Tackle or Gander Mountain. Please call the Marina at (719) 748-0317 for any other questions.
The public is invited to attend the weigh-in ceremony and other festivities which begin at 2:30 p.m. Come see the filleting and cooking demonstrations and experience the delicious flavor of Eleven Mile Northern Pike. There will be live music featuring Jeremy Vasquez and the 11 Mile Band, a fish fry and crawfish boil. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Fishing Has No Boundaries, a national non-profit organization, committed to opening up the great outdoors for people with disabilities through the world of fishing.
Boaters are reminded that mandatory boat inspections will be required prior to launch and before exiting to ensure that zebra and quagga mussels and other aquatic nuisance species are not present. Boaters can help this process run smoothly by:
Removing all plants, animals and mud.
Thoroughly washing everything coming into contact with the water prior to arrival.
Draining all water from live wells, bilges, ballast tanks and any other areas of your boat holding water before leaving any reservoir.
Completely drying the boat, all equipment and compartments before launching again.
Tournament participants are encouraged to have boats pre-inspected by park staff at the North Shore Boat Ramp during daylight hours the day before the tournament if possible. Boat inspections will begin at 4:30 a.m. on the day of the tournament.
For additional information, call 1 Mile Marina at: 1 (877) 725-3172 or go to www.11milesports.com
A Colorado State Parks pass is required for all vehicles.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife gets everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state's favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.
Media Contact
Kevin Tobey, 719-748-3401, eleven.mile.park@state.co.us>eleven.mile.park@state.co.us
Deb Frazier, (303) 866-3203 ext. 4342, deb.frazier@state.co.us
LIZELLA, Ga. - Chris Logan, of Cat Spring, Texas, and Emil Reznicek, of Sealy, Texas, weighed in a two-redfish limit that totaled 16.69 pounds to win the IFA Redfish Tour event at Corpus Christi, Texas, on September 3. To win the event, which operated out of Marker 37, the duo topped a large field of two-angler teams to take home a new, fully rigged Ranger Banshee Extreme powered by a 60-horsepower, four-stroke Yamaha outboard and equipped with a Power-Pole shallow water anchor, Minn Kota trolling motor, Humminbird electronics, Blue Point Fabrication metal work, Bob's four-inch Ultra Light Jackplate, an OPTIMA battery and a Loadmaster trailer valued at $30,000.
Logan and Reznicek reported higher-than-normal tide activity during the event, focusing their efforts solely on an area within one mile of the tournament's launch site. Targeting pot holes with Berkley Gulp! and spoons, the team's catch included an 8.57-pound kicker redfish, which brought the team the $500 Berkley Big Fish Award as well as a $500 Cabela's gift card, courtesy of Berkley. The team also pocketed $882 in Anglers Advantage contingency money.
"The tides didn't affect our fishing at all," Logan said. "We fished the whole day with no mistakes, which is always a plus."
Second-place finishers, Tansel Basci, of League City, Texas, and John Gill, of Corpus Christi, brought 15.74 pounds to the scales during the event, the results of targeting schools of redfish in the Laguna Madre area, less than 12 miles away.
"We knew what kind of conditions to expect today, but the conditions that we had made it tougher to find and catch fish than it had been," said Basci, who along with Gill, took home second-place winnings. "Still, we were able to perform as we expected."
The third-place team of Kevin Akin, of Corpus Christi, and Brian Talley, of Houston, weighed in 15.64 pounds during the tournament, also coming from schools of redfish in the Laguna Madre area. Using Berkley Gulp! 4-inch shrimp as their only bait during the event, the pair competed through the high waters and winds on their way third-place prize money plus an addition $1,000 in Cabela's Angler Cash and $399 in Anglers Advantage contingency money.
"We adapted pretty well to the change in the weather conditions," Akin said. "I feel like we did the best we could with the school we found."
The IFA Redfish Tour continues to draw redfish anglers from Texas to the Carolinas and beyond, offering two-angler teams the opportunity to compete in six different divisions, each offering a three-event regular season. Low entry fees for the one-day, regular-season tournaments allows anglers to fish close to home and minimize expenses, while still being a part of a premier inshore, catch-and-release redfish tournament organization. Teams fishing any three of the IFA's 18 regular-season events are automatically qualified for a no-entry-fee championship event, pitting qualifiers from each of the six divisions for a combined $78,200 in payouts and prize packages, as well as a shot at the coveted Cabela's Overall Divisional Team of the Year Award for the six regular-season division winners.
In addition to a possible $60,000 in payouts per event (based on a 100-boat field), the first-place prize package for all 18 IFA Redfish Tour regular-season events remains extremely lucrative. In 2011, every regular-season tournament winner is guaranteed - regardless of field size - a fully loaded 2011 Ranger Banshee Extreme. The boat is powered by a 60-horsepower, four-stroke Yamaha outboard and is equipped with a Power-Pole shallow water anchor, Minn Kota trolling motor, Humminbird electronics, Blue Point Fabrication metal work, Bob's four-inch Ultra Light Jackplate, an OPTIMA battery and a Loadmaster trailer. The entire first-place prize package is valued at $30,000. Lucrative contingency programs added for 2011 include $50 prize to the team claiming the big fish award in an IFA Redfish Tour event if the fish is landed with an EGO Net, $25 prize for both the big redfish and big trout in IFA Kayak Tour events; $250 prize to a qualifying winning team which competes from a boat equipped with OPTIMA Batteries; PENN reels for tournament-winning anglers who compete with PENN reels.
For more information or to become a member of the IFA, the fastest-growing inshore fishing tournament series in the United States, go online to www.redfishtour.com or www.ifakayakfishingtour.com. To discover more about kayaking and Hobie Fishing go to www.hobiefishing.com.
IFA events are made possible through the sponsorship and continued support of the fishing industry's most respected brands: Ranger Boats, Hobie Fishing, Cabela's, Gulp!, Gulp! Alive, PENN reels, Yamaha Outboards, Columbia Sportswear, Minn Kota, Humminbird, OPTIMA Batteries, Power-Pole, Wrap This, Blue Point Fabrication, EGO Nets, Spiderwire, Sebile, Bob's Machine Shop, 321fish.com, Kayak Angler Magazine, Loadmaster, NBOA Marina Insurance, Powertex Group, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Marker 37.
IFA Texas Division
Corpus Christi, Texas (Top 10)
1. Logan/Reznicek - 16.69 lbs.
2. Basci/Gill - 15.74 lbs.
3. Talley/Akin - 15.64 lbs.
4. Clarkson/Lynch - 15.56 lbs.
5. Gidrey/Cellum - 14.50 lbs.
6. Baggett/Baggett - 14.33 lbs.
7. Barton/Barton - 14.23 lbs.
8. Price/Herrera - 14.16 lbs.
9. Gonzalez/Cisneros - 13.93 lbs.
10. Wilson/Odom - 13.77 lbs.
Berkley Gulp! Big Fish Award ($500 + $500 Cabela's Gift Card courtesy of Berkley):
Logan/Reznicek (8.57 lbs.)
Cabela's Angler Cash ($1,000):
Talley/Akin
Media Contact
Josh Ward
Blue Heron Communications
(800) 654-3766
Josh@blueheroncomm.com
LIZELLA, Ga. - Clint Barghi, of Friendswood, Texas, caught a redfish and speckled sea trout that measure a combined 51.75 inches in length to the win the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour Presented by Hobie Fishing event at Corpus Christi, Texas, on September 4. The event, which operated out of Marker 37, was the last of three regular-season events for the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour's Texas Division.
Fishing in the Rockport, Texas, area, Barghi employed Berkley Gulp! bait under a popping cork to take advantage of the day's windy conditions. His redfish, which measured 33.00 inches, won him the $100 Berkley Gulp! Big Redfish Award, which also included a $100 Cabela's gift card, courtesy of Berkley, for catching the fish on Gulp!. For winning the event, Barghi also took home a Hobie Mirage Pro-Angler Kayak valued at $2,499.
"The conditions were windy, which is exactly what we needed, so I fished wind-blown shorelines with Gulp! all day," Barghi said. "This is the best-run kayak series around and I couldn't be more excited to win."
Second-place finisher, Chase Okrasinski, of New Braunfels, Texas, measured a 29.25-inch redfish and a 20-inch trout for a total length measurement of 49.25 inches to secure the $1,000 second-place prize. Fishing in and around the Bird Island area, Okrasinski used top-water lures to target wind-blown shorelines and spoil banks where boat traffic had concentrated bait schools.
"The winds were northerly compared to the southerly winds I'm used to at this spot, but the boat traffic really seemed to give me an advantage as it pushed bait onto the specific spoil area I was fishing," Okrasinski said. "I'm pleased with my finish. Locating tournament trout this time of year is difficult."
Third-place finisher, Al Denham, of Bay City, Texas, won $500 for his redfish and trout, which measured a combined 49 inches in length, using Berkley Gulp! and hard baits during the event.
Fifth-place finisher, Brian Weems, won the $200 Hobie Top Angler prize for having the highest place of finish for an angler competing from a Hobie Kayak. Mason McWilliams, who finished 17th, won the $100 Berkley Gulp! Big Trout Award for this 23-inch catch, which also included an additional $100 Cabela's gift card, courtesy of Berkley, for catching the fishing on Gulp!.
Each of the Cabela's IFA Redfish Tour 18 regular-season events will commence on Saturday with the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour Presented by Hobie Fishing contested the following day (Sundays). In its second season, the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour Presented by Hobie will feature 18 regular-season, catch-photograph-release events across six different division (mirroring the IFA Redfish Tour format, location and scheduling) as well as extremely lucrative payouts and expanded fishing opportunities for non-motorized fishing crafts.
The redfish/trout tournament will pay twenty places (based on a 100-boat field) plus Big Redfish, Big Trout and Junior Angler Awards. The winner will take home a Hobie Mirage Pro-Angler valued at $2,499, 2nd place prize will be a $1,000 and 3rd place $500 Hobie cash. New for 2011, kayak anglers can take advantage of the Angler's Advantage program. Anglers who participate in the program can pay an additional $25 entry fee, which is paid back at 100 percent to participants, based on place of finish. Lucrative contingency programs added for 2011 include $50 prize to the team claiming the big fish award in an IFA Redfish Tour event if the fish is landed with an EGO Net, $25 prize for both the big redfish and big trout in IFA Kayak Fishing Tour events; a PENN reel for tournament-winning angler who competes with PENN reel.
The IFA Redfish and IFA Kayak Fishing Tours continues to draw redfish anglers from Texas to the Carolinas and beyond, offering anglers the opportunity to compete in six different divisions, each offering a three-event regular season. Low entry fees for the one-day, regular-season tournaments allows anglers to fish close to home and minimize expenses, while still being a part of a premier inshore, catch-and-release redfish tournament organization. Teams fishing any three of the IFA's 18 regular-season events are automatically qualified for a no-entry-fee championship event, pitting qualifiers from each of the six divisions for money and prize packages, as well as a shot at the coveted Overall Divisional Team of the Year Award for the six regular-season division winners.
For more information or to become a member of the IFA, the fastest-growing inshore fishing tournament series in the United States, go online to www.redfishtour.com or www.ifakayakfishingtour.com. To discover more about kayaking and Hobie Fishing go to www.hobiefishing.com.
IFA events are made possible through the sponsorship and continued support of the fishing industry's most respected brands: Ranger Boats, Hobie Fishing, Cabela's, Gulp!, Gulp! Alive, PENN reels, Yamaha Outboards, Columbia Sportswear, Minn Kota, Humminbird, OPTIMA Batteries, Power-Pole, Wrap This, Blue Point Fabrication, EGO Nets, Spiderwire, Sebile, Bob's Machine Shop, 321fish.com, Kayak Angler Magazine, Loadmaster, NBOA Marina Insurance, Powertex Group, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Marker 37.
IFA Texas Division
Corpus Christi, Texas (Top 10)
1. Clint Barghi - 51.75 inches
2. Chase Okrasinski - 49.25 inches
3. Al Denham - 49.00 inches
4. John Kay - 45.63 inches
5. Brian Weems - 45.63 inches
6. Melinda Moudy - 45.50 inches
7. James Tesch - 45.25 inches
8. Cody Phillips - 45.13 inches
9. Fil Spencer - 45.00 inches
10. Cindy Hood - 43.13 inches
$200 Hobie Contingency:
Brian Weems
$100 Berkley GULP! Big Redfish Award + $100 Cabela's Gift Card from Berkley:
Clint Barghi (33.00 inches)
$100 Berkley GULP! Big Trout Award + $100 Cabela's Gift Card from Berkley:
Mason McWilliams (23.00 inches)
Media Contact
Josh Ward
Blue Heron Communications
(800) 654-3766
Josh@blueheroncomm.com
Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing worldwide cost 500,000 jobs and $23 billion worth of seafood annually and countless number of recreational fishing opportunities
FT LAUDERDALE, Fla. USA – A joint effort between the fishery managements of the United States and the European Union to combat pirate fishing -- illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) -- is being stepped up with actions on two continents.
A signing agreement took place on Wednesday, Sept. 7, in Washington D.C. with Dr. Jane Lubchenco, U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and the head of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Ms. Maria Damanaki, European Union commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. The ceremony was held at the National Press Club in the Ronald Reagan Intl. Trade Center.
Ellen Peel, the president of The Billfish Foundation said the non-profit conservation organization applauds the steps the policy makers on both continents are taking as fishing piracy across the globe cost 500,000 fishermen their jobs and income, and $23 billion worth of seafood annually plus un-measurable harm on the environment and health of the oceans.
“And for a countless number of recreational fishing opportunities it’s a huge loss,” said Peel. “IUU fishing impacts all US fishing interests, recreational and commercial, for these ‘international fishing pirates’ are exerting enormous pressure on the stocks of highly migratory fish – tunas, billfish and sharks – accelerating overfishing. This means less is available to support the legitimate industries that are regulated and fish by the rules,” added Peel, who is also the U.S. Recreational Fishing Commissioner to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).
ICCAT is the international fishery management organization formed by a multilateral treaty that manages, through consensus, highly migratory fish throughout the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the Mediterranean Sea and all adjacent waters.
“We congratulate the commitment of these two women in their leadership roles to address the IUU fisheries and their common vision and their commitment to fisheries management being based on science,” said Ms.Peel.
The next ICCAT negotiations will be held in Istanbul, Turkey in November. Ms. Peel will be one of the three U.S. Commissioners representing US fishing interests for these species.
Established 25 years ago, The Billfish Foundation is the only non-profit organization dedicated solely to conserving and enhancing billfish populations globally. TBF's comprehensive network of members and supporters includes anglers, captains, mates, tournament directors, and clubs and sportfishing businesses. By coordinating efforts and speaking with one voice, TBF is able to work for solutions that are good for billfish and not punitive to recreational anglers.
For more visit www.billfish.org or phone Ms. Peel at 800-438-8247 ex 108.
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RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA- Fisheries biologists with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission have been assessing fish populations in coastal rivers this week to determine the impacts of low dissolved oxygen following Hurricane Irene.
They have found that with the exception of the Cape Fear River basin, which suffered little impact to its fish populations, many coastal North Carolina rivers are experiencing oxygen levels too low to sustain fish. As oxygen levels remain depressed, biologists expect the fish kills will continue .
"These fish kills, while unfortunate, are naturally occurring events that typically follow a major hurricane," said Chad Thomas, Coastal Region fisheries supervisor. "Given time, the fish populations in the impacted rivers will recover, as they did after Hurricane Isabel in 2003."
As of Thursday, the rivers experiencing low dissolved oxygen levels and reported fish kills were:
Roanoke River, from Williamston downstream to the mouth of the river at Albemarle Sound and adjacent creeks including the Cashie River, with widespread fish kills throughout.
Chowan River from the North Carolina/Virginia state line to just north of Holiday Island near Edenton and adjacent creeks except the Meherrin River.
Tar River from Old Sparta to Washington and adjacent creeks with a major fish kill reported in the Greenville area.
Neuse River from just below Kinston to New Bern and adjacent creeks with widespread fish kills in the New Bern area.
The Trent, New, White Oak, Newport and Scuppernong rivers.
Biologists report stormwater runoff, in conjunction with swamp waters high in organic materials, causes a significant decrease in dissolved oxygen, an element necessary to sustain fish and other aquatic animals.
"It is important to note that low dissolved oxygen is the main culprit in these fish kills, rather than contaminants, pollution or other factors," Thomas said.
After dissolved oxygen levels begin to recover, Commission staff will evaluate the extent of impacts to fish communities. In October, biologists will use electrofishing equipment to determine the numbers and types of fish that remain within these areas.
"Our assessments will ramp up during spring 2012 to document levels of spawning fish that have returned to impacted areas," Thomas said. "We will also evaluate the success of native fish reproduction next year by sampling for juvenile fishes in the fall of 2012."
From these findings, Commission biologists will implement recovery strategies for impacted populations.
"We saw these types of fish kills when Isabel blew through the state back in 2003 and we've learned a lot from our experience dealing with storm's aftermath," Thomas said. "Past experiences have shown that our coastal river systems are very resilient to tropical events."
For more information on research findings following Hurricane Isabel, visit www.ncwildlife.org/fishing and click on the links in the "Research Reports on Hurricane Isabel" section at the top of the page.
About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state's fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.
Get N.C. Wildlife Update - news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more - delivered to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Go to www.ncwildlife.org/enews.
Media Contact
Chad Thomas 252-335-4961 or chad.thomas@ncwildlife.org
STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - Spc. William Troutwein of Defiance, Pennsylvania, won the National Guard FLW Soldier Appreciation Tournament held on Sayers Lake Saturday. Fishing with National Guard FLW college angler Preston Chrisman from Virginia Tech, the team caught three bass for a total of 4 pounds, 14 ounces to take the title and bragging rights amongst their peers.
"I'm a recreational fisherman," said Spc. Troutwein. "But I have never fished a tournament before. This was a lot of fun. Preston put me on the fish and we even got to cull one. We were fishing a weed patch with a KVD Square Billed Crankbait.
"We caught four keepers today," said Virginia Tech's Chrisman. "Sure wish this would have happened during the tournament. That is three more than my partner and I caught for the entire college tournament. We even got to throw one back. But seriously, we had a lot of fun and it was a great day on the water."
Each of the participants in the National Guard FLW Soldier Appreciation Tournament are members of the Pennsylvania National Guard and most have had at least one tour of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. In this tournament, National Guard FLW College fishing anglers took members of the National Guard fishing to compete amongst their peers. Each team was allowed to bring in three bass. FLW Outdoors is operating the tournaments in conjunction with the National Guard to show appreciation to our service members of the National Guard.
A total of seven service men and women, five teams, participated in the tournament. Rounding out the teams were:
2nd: Sgt. Jeremy Gardner, Bellefonte, Pa., fishing with National Guard FLW college angler Travis Lively, Radford University, 1 bass, 2-6
3rd: Spc. Harold Shipe, Everett, Pa., fishing with National Guard FLW college angler David Bryant, Virginia Tech, 0 bass, 0-0
4th: Staff Sgt. Aaron Ranio, Howard, Pa., and Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Boone, Yarnell, Pa., fishing with National Guard FLW college angler Dan Inferna, Casselton State College, 0 bass, 0-0
5th: Sgt. Adam Fisher, Julian, Pa., and Staff Sgt. Brent Andrews, Yarnell, Pa., with National Guard college angler Patrick Inferna, Casselton State College, 0 bass, 0-0
The Soldier Appreciation Tournament was held in conjunction with the National Guard FLW College Fishing Northern Regional on Sayers Lake hosted by Penn State University.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWOutdoors.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/NationalGuardFLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWOutdoors.
ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS
FLW Outdoors is the best in fishing, on and off the water. Anglers worldwide can compete for millions over the course of 191 tournaments in 2011. FLW Outdoors has taken fishing mainstream with the world's richest fantasy sports game, FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk, where competitors can play for free as well as sign up for Player's Advantage to gain an edge. For more information about FLW Outdoors and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.
www.FLWOutdoors.com
Media Contact
Julie Huber, Communications Specialist, (612) 337-1810 (w), (612) 812-9512 (m) or julie.huber@jacobs-mgmt.com
Annapolis, Maryland - The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) has announced, based on information received from the National Weather Service and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), that boating and other recreational use of the Upper Potomac River, including its creeks and streams, should be avoided at this time.
This advisory is from September 07, 2011 thru September 09, 2011 and will be updated at that time if necessary.
Due to recent precipitation, river levels are hazardous for recreational use on the main stem of the Upper Potomac River from Cumberland to Little Falls.
Hazardous stages are water levels which pose a threat to non white- water vessels, tubers, swimmers and other recreational users and are caused by wave action, water velocity, and treacherous currents. This hazardous condition may exist on tributaries of the Potomac River.
This warning does not apply to professionally guided river trips. The public is reminded that river travel involves risks. Water and boating safety should be of utmost importance. The Maryland Natural Resources Police remind boaters to always wear a life jacket. It is mandatory to wear a USCG approved life jacket while boating on the upper Potomac River from November 15 to May 15 each year.
For more the latest information on Potomac River conditions between Cumberland and Little Falls, call the National Weather Service at 703-996-2200.
Media Contact
Sgt. A.A. Windemuth
410-260-8003 office
410-713-8449 cell
awindemuth@dnr.state.md.us
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) reminds anglers who fish along California's shoreline and piers to avoid casting where seabirds feed or congregate. All along the coast, large schools of bait fish such as sardines and anchovies have recently been swimming close to the shore, thus attracting both anglers and hungry seabirds.
Hundreds of birds, including the fully protected California brown pelican, have been injured or killed in recent years after becoming hooked or entangled as they are feeding on the same bait fish that anglers target, or when they try to snag the bait from the end of a fishing line. This has become a serious problem at the Santa Cruz Pier and Monterey Wharf in particular, where popular fishing piers are adjacent to or within feeding grounds for seabirds. Pelicans are particularly vulnerable because fishing piers and jetties also serve as roosting spots.
To make matters worse, many pelicans that linger in unenclosed areas where anglers clean their fish are becoming contaminated with fish oil. Fish oils compromise seabirds' natural waterproofing and insulation, making them vulnerable to hypothermia when cold ocean water contacts their skin.
"When anglers throw scraps around or directly to the pelicans, it teaches them to bum for such scraps," said DFG Wildlife Biologist Esther Burkett. "Saving them requires expensive capture, cleaning and care at a licensed rehabilitation facility. It's far easier to exercise caution and take steps to prevent the problem in the first place."
Sport anglers can help protect wildlife by not casting their fishing lines in close proximity of feeding birds and disposing of fish-cleaning scraps in secure containers with lids.
If you see injured pelicans or other seabirds that could be captured by trained wildlife handlers, please call one of these wildlife rescue organizations:
Santa Cruz County - Native Animal Rescue: (831) 462-0726
Monterey County SPCA: 831-646-5534
San Francisco Peninsula - Peninsula Humane Society: (650) 494-7283 or (650) 340-8200
Marin County - Wildcare: (415) 453-1000
Bay Area - International Bird Rescue: (707) 207-0380
Arcata - Marine Wildlife Care Center: (877) 823-6926
Morro Bay - Pacific Wildlife Care: 805-543-WILD (9453)
Statewide - Wild Care: 866-WILD-911
In other areas, please call your local humane society or SPCA
More wildlife rescue organizations are listed on the Oiled Wildlife Care Network's webpage at www.owcn.org/about-us/participant-organizations.
DFG urges anglers and anyone who visits the shoreline to never chase or feed pelicans or other seabirds. Other ways to avoid hooking or entangling seabirds are listed in California Seabirds: Give Them a Break, Not a Line, on the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/seabirds.asp.
Media Contact
Esther Burkett, DFG Wildlife Branch, (916) 531-1594
Dana Michaels, DFG Communications, (916) 322-2420
Dean Rojas, for one.
Rojas owns wins at Toledo Bend and Oneida Lake, two of the eight stops on the slate in 2012 for the Bassmaster Elite Series. But he likes every fishery on the newly announced schedule.
"With the exception of one, I've had a Top-10 finish at each one of them," said Rojas, a Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Lake Havasu City, Ariz. "I liked the 2011 schedule, but I like this one even better."
The "exception" is the Mississippi River out of La Crosse, Wis.
"It's an unknown to me, and that's the beauty of it," he said. "I won't go in with preconceived notions. And I can enjoy anticipating what's around every corner."
Rojas' high satisfaction with the new schedule comes in no small part from the June stop at Toledo Bend Reservoir. That's where he won in 2011 and secured his fourth Bassmaster title and a berth in the 2012 Bassmaster Classic. The win was all the sweeter because it came early in the season, thus eliminating a three-month sweat for a Classic qualification.
Rojas had another win on Toledo Bend, a February 2001 victory in a Bassmaster Top 150. He noted that the 2012 schedule will take the Elite Series corps to The Bend in June.
"Every time I've done well there, it's always been springtime. It's going to be a different lake with that different timing," he cautioned.
If he had to pick a favorite, it would be Oneida Lake, he said. The upstate New York lake was the site of his 2008 Elite Series win, a third place in a 2009 Elite Series event, and a fourth in a 2007 Bassmaster Major.
Oneida's Aug. 23-26 slot in the 2012 schedule doesn't mirror the timing of his Aug. 10, 2008, win, he noted, but it's close enough.
"The bass will still be in their summer haunts. That isn't likely to change until mid-September," he said.
He hasn't been fishing on Oneida since 2009, but he made a point to drive over it twice when his travels brought him near.
What did a few minutes on a bridge do for him?
"Well, it made me feel really good to see 'my' lake again," he said, laughing. "It fishes a lot like Lake Havasu, the way it's laid out, so I feel so comfortable there."
Rojas watchers could consider Douglas Lake in Tennessee (May 3-6) as his third-strongest "like" of 2012. There he earned a second-place finish to Rick Clunn's 2001 win in a Bassmaster Megabucks event. But, of course, there's Elite Series pro Ott DeFoe to consider on Douglas. Because he lives there, DeFoe will be the all-out favorite.
And then there's the "mystery" stop, a TBA site to be slotted into the schedule on June 28-July 1, between La Crosse and New York. Rojas gives the concept of a mystery lake another nod.
"I like that," he said. "But you know, I take them one at a time. Right now, it's the first up that I'm most looking forward to, and that's the Classic and the Red River."
He hasn't been back to compete on the Red since the Bassmaster Classic in 2009, in which he finished 18th. He's planning a late fall scouting trip, he said.
First leg in fall series is Robert James Sales S.L.A.M.; fishing slots still open
It’s one of the most fun, rewarding and longest running fishing series of competitions in the Florida Keys as the Redbone Celebrity Tournaments kicks off September 9 - 11, with the Robert James Sales S.L.A.M. benefiting cystic fibrosis research.
The S.L.A.M., short for Southernmost Light-Tackle Anglers Masters, is part of the Redbone Trilogy in the Keys, now in its third decade to raise money for the fight against CF. The 22nd annual S.L.A.M. targets the "big-three" game fish of the Florida flats – tarpon, permit and bonefish. Catching all three is known as a "flats grand slam."
The other two-day tournaments in the Keys trilogy are the 21st annual Baybone in Key Largo (Oct. 7-9) for bonefish and permit, and the 24th annual Redbone, in Islamorada (Nov. 4-6) for redfish and bonefish. Each event is preceded by a one day Superfly tournament for fly anglers, sponsored by The Angling Company.
“These weekend events are the most exciting experiences a fly or light tackle angler can ever have,” said ex-NFL Tampa Bay Bucs lineman Mark Cooper who hopes to capture the celebrity grand champion title in his rivalry with Baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs who serves as the SLAM’s celebrity host.
Capt. Gary and Susan Ellis founded the Redbone tournament in 1988 as a grass roots effort to help victims like their daughter Nicole who have CF. With the help of baseball legend Ted Williams it raised $16,000 that first year and has since grown to nearly 30 events internationally raising over $15 million for CF research. Last year’s combined events alone brought in $1.4 million.
The events also gained fame on TV as hundreds of top celebrities have competed in the past including General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, sportscaster Curt Gowdy, super model Lauren Hutton, MLB pitcher Tim Wakefield, astronaut Bruce Melnick and the late saxophonist “The Big Man” Clarence Clemons.
“There are still a limited number of openings for participant and team entries with great captains to guide them,” said Ellis. “A two-angler team entry fee is $3,500 which includes the guide fees for two days of fishing, all social functions such as the kick-off party, continental breakfasts, box lunches, dockside parties with hors d’oeuvres, Sunday awards barbeque and a tournament bag. The tournament’s $3,000 individual entry fee is also available for those who would like to fish with a celebrity.”
“Our host hotel in Key West is the beautiful Double Tree Grand Key Resort,” said Susan Ellis, “and our dockside host is the Hurricane Hole Restaurant and Marina.”
Original artwork by nationally known marine artists are awarded as prizes to the top anglers and teams in general, spin and fly division, and the largest and most fish caught and released in each target species.
Besides Robert James Sales the other major sponsors in The Trilogy includes Rich Products, Redbone Rods, Sea Safe Suncare, Image Graphics, Double Tree Grand Key Resort, The Islander, Dove Creek Lodge and DragonFly Boatworks.
For more info call the Redbone at 305-664-2002, or go online at www.redbone.org.
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At ICAST 2011 in Las Vegas, Anglers Select LLC launched Kumho USA hooks. The first product launch featured Bassmaster Professional Gary Klein as the innovator for the new hook company introducing the patented Reaper Keeper system hooks.
The reaper keeper locks your plastics onto the hook while doing no damage to the plastic that is common with other type keeper systems. With use of specific hooks like the Creature hook, the Flipping hook, the Worm hook and Tube hook.
Gary and the rest of the Pro Staff that includes Brandon Palaniuk, Jeff Kriet, Marty Stone, J Todd Tucker, and Jared Lintner, are hard at work on several new innovations for today's Bass tournament anglers.
While testing new hooks and sinkers, bass fishing pro Gary Klein catches monster bass. "I have used about every hook made, and the Kumho Hooks are the best I have ever fished," Gary Klein said.
It's a strong statement, but after last week's trip to Falcon Lake, the proof was presented and documented. The 3X Forged Kumho did not flex or have a point roll over. Most of the fish were caught 8 to 9 feet deep in big bushes. The Reaper Keeper plastic bait keeper worked perfectly as well.
"We were able to catch several bass on each bait and the plastic didn't roll up on the hook a single time," said Klein. "Now that is impressive!"
After five days of fishing at Falcon, fishing some stuff a bulldozer would have a tough time getting through, he used one -- yes that is right -- one hook. It was a Kumho 5/0 Flipping Hook. The results are staggering. His five biggest bass on his first day weighed 42.15, big fish was 9.3 pounds, small fish was 8.4. His big fish for the week was more than 11 pounds. For the week, they caught 50 fish weighing more than 5 pounds -- WOW!
Gary caught most of his fish flipping a Berkley Pit Boss in two colors, Big Texan and Californian, with a Boss Intruder Punch Skirt and a 3/4 ounce Eco Pro Tungsten flipping weight.
Anglers Select LLC is an American company that loves to fish. For more information on Kumho USA hooks product line, Pro Staff, and how to purchase their product, visit http://kumhohooks.com/.
Media Contact
Tim Norman
778 Route 15 South
Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
Tim@ecoprotungsten.com
Customer Service No.
973-396-2959
MEDIA WEBSITE:
http://kumhohooks.com/
PHOENIX - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) as part of the Environmental Assessment of its proposal to continue to fund, in part, the Arizona Game and Fish Department's (AGFD) sport fish stocking program over the next 10 years.
The FONSI decision means that FWS can continue funding to support AGFD's hatchery operations and fish stocking activities that provide recreational opportunities for anglers.
As part of the Selected Alternative, a Conservation and Mitigation Program has been developed. The Conservation and Mitigation Program will implement actions to avoid, offset or reduce environmental impacts of the stocking action and ultimately contribute to conservation and recovery of native species. The program's development was a coordinated effort between the FWS's Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR), its Arizona Ecological Services Office, and AGFD.
The decision came out of an Environmental Assessment process that analyzed three alternatives which provided a range of recreational opportunities and impacts to biological resources.
After review of public and agency comments received on the Draft Environmental Assessment, WSFR, the Arizona Ecological Services Office and AGFD chose to modify the Proposed Action. The modifications to the Proposed Action include the removal of one previously proposed stocking site and the elimination and/or substitution of some species proposed for stocking at some sites. The modified Proposed Action has been identified as the "Selected Alternative."
Under the Selected Alternative, funding will support stocking of sport fish at 166 sites in selected rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, ponds and tanks in the state. It will also support continued operations and maintenance of five AGFD hatcheries that rear sport fish (primarily trout) for stocking. The actions in this alternative are the most comparable to Arizona's current stocking program.
Hundreds of thousands of Arizona residents and nonresidents take advantage of the state's recreational fishing opportunities each year. Based on 2006 numbers, there were 4,156,000 angler use days (AUDs) of fishing in Arizona, with a total annual economic impact of $1.3 billion (Southwick Associates 2007). Arizona Game and Fish estimates a resident demand of 6 million AUDs through 2012, with some growth anticipated in nonresident demand.
Under the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950, FWS has the authority to provide federal funding to state wildlife agencies for management and restoration of sport fish, as well as public use and benefit from those resources. Funding is provided on a match basis through the WSFR program. Sport Fish Restoration funds through that program come from a federal excise tax on certain fishing equipment and a portion of motorboat fuel tax revenues. In July 2011, Arizona received about $7.9 million in Sport Fish Restoration Act funds. Although the amount varies from year to year, about $2.5 million was allocated to sport fish stocking and hatchery operations.
To view a copy of the Finding of No Significant Impact document and the final Environmental Assessment, visit www.fws.gov/southwest/federal_assistance/index.html or www.azgfd.gov/fishea.
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The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director's Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director's Office as listed above.
Media Contact
Tom Cadden (623) 236-7392,
Public Information Officer, AGFD
Jose Viramontes (505) 248-6404,
Public Affairs Specialist, USFWS
Action: Closure of Curl Lake (Columbia County) to fishing for all species.
Dates: Sept. 8 through Oct. 31, 2011.
Species Affected: All fish
Reason for action: Curl Lake in the upper Tucannon River drainage will be drained in early September to allow the lake bed to dry out prior to scheduled maintenance dredging. Dredging is necessary to maintain the lake for spring chinook acclimation prior to release, and for trout fishing opportunities.
Other Information: Curl Lake, located in the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Wooten Wildlife Area, is scheduled to re-open for fishing the last Saturday in April 2012, consistent with fishing regulations in the department's current Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.
Anglers are reminded to refer to the 2011/2012 Fishing in Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for other regulations.
Information contact: Glen Mendel (509) 382-1005.
Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license. Check the current WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet or the Fishing section of the WDFW webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/ for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing regulations are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500; press 2 for recreational rules; call the Shellfish Rule Change hotline, (360) 796-3215, or toll free 1 (866) 880-5431.