New Powerfish’n Pro Hybrid Reel introduced

New Powerfish’n Pro Hybrid Reel introduced for
Senior Anglers, Anglers with Disabilities and anyone
who likes to hold a drink or sandwich while fishing

With ten thousand Baby Boomers a day turning 65 and having more time for the joys of fishing, Rock Island Equipment Company has introduced Powerfish’n, a new Hybrid Reel that gives serious anglers a unique choice -- Manual or Automatic.

Like anglers of all ages, every one of the tens of millions of senior and disabled fishing enthusiasts throughout the world has strong opinions -- on the best places to fish, the best equipment to use, the most effective lures and techniques, the best types of fish to catch, even the best times of day to fish. But one thing they all agree on is the benefit of having choices. Now there’s a new choice to that makes “catching the big one again” even more enjoyable and less tiring: manual or automatic. Senior and disabled anglers everywhere are choosing the remarkable new hybrid reel that gives them that choice.

The PowerFish’nTM Pro from Rock Island Equipment Company is the first in a new line of hybrid reels for fresh water fishing. The PowerFish’n Pro features a traditional Shakespeare spinning reel fitted with a strong, quiet, electric motor to enhance the fishing experience. It gives users the choice between manually hand-cranking the line in or retrieving it automatically with the touch of a switch. Users can now fish longer without getting arm or shoulder fatigue, have more options and techniques for trolling, bass fishing, ice fishing and generally enjoy their fishing experience even more.

Nationally recognized angler John Fox, Fishing Hall of Famer, winner of Ten World and National Bass Fishing Championships and popular host of the TV series The Senior Outdoorsman, uses the Powerfish’n Hybrid Reel to catch up to 13.5 pound fish. He says “This incredible spinning reel performs flawlessly and is a “MUST HAVE for seniors and handicapped or disabled fishermen.”

The new PowerFish’nTM hybrid reel is now available exclusively at www.powerfishn.com and through hundreds of fishing equipment web sites. List price for the reel is $199.95. In addition to being able to conveniently purchase the PowerFish’n reel, visitors to www.powerfishn.com are also able to get daily Fishing Almanac information, learn to tie various knots, see detailed Fish of the Day information and study a comprehensive Fishopedia. Visitors can also enter a Big Fish Story photo contest to win a charter fishing trip. The site also features a video demonstration of the Powerfish’n hybrid reel along with links to environmental organizations and some of America’s best charter fishing boats.

Specifications
Model Capacity
(yds./lbs.) Gear
Ratio Weight*
(oz.) Class
PF-100 170/10 5.2:1 29.9 oz. Light
* Includes batteries.

The Powerfish’n Reel Features:

? Instant Anti-Reverse Feature
? Graphite Body
? 1 Ball Bearing
? 1 Needle-Roller Ball Bearing
? Smooth Multi-Disc Drag System
? Precision Die-Cast Gears
? On/Off Anti-Reverse
? E-Z Power Switch
? Stainless Steel Guides
? Graphite Reel Seat
? Rotor and Metal Side Cover
? Operates on 4 AA Batteries
Standard or Re-chargeable
? Spooled with 10 Lb Line
? One Year Limited Warranty

View the original article here

The Billfish Foundation at Brazil’s Sportfishing Trade Show promoting conservation/sportfishing tourism

TBF continues worldwide awareness of marine conservation in its 25th anniversary year

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. USA -- The Billfish Foundations’ global conservation and sportfishing tourism efforts were highlighted in a special talk given during Brazil’s Pesca Sportfishing Trade Show in Sao Paulo which ran from August 10 - 12.

The seminar "The Science of Fisheries Conservation and the Economic Development of Sportfishing Tourism" was presented by TBF’s Elliott Stark.

Stark, a science and policy specialist at the 25-year old non-profit organization which is committed to solely conserving and enhancing billfish populations globally, highlighted TBF’s ongoing fisheries programs to empower continued strives in billfish conservation by several countries in South and Central America. Specific topics included sportfishing tourism, tagging and fisheries conservation issues, and representation of sportfishing interests in the management process.

”Brazil has an incredible sportfishing history and the potential to greatly expand its sportfishing tourism infrastructure,” said Stark. “Sportfishing tourism is good for communities, good for tax bases, good for the oceans. This is an increasingly important means to empower fisheries conservation policy on national and international scales. TBF is proud to be able to work with some key members to promote conservation and sportfishing tourism in Brazil.”

Marcelo Claro , the president of the Brazilian Sportfishing Trade Show hosted The Billfish Foundation along with Waldyr Andrade Filho, owner of Bahia Sportfishing Lodge bahiapescaesportiva.com.br who is also donating a trip for the recently announced TBF Experience South America. The foundation recently launched the TBF Experience, a worldwide membership drive in strategic parts of the world with special regional prize packages for new and existing TBF’s members from South American countries

“The choices of traveling anglers can be influenced by countries directed conservation and marketing initiatives,” said Stark. “In several regions of the globe we are seeing more dedication to increasing sportfishing tourism as a means to promote fisheries conservation as well as the economic well being of communities.

For more on joining The Billfish Foundation, starting at $40 annual membership, plus learning more about TBF Experience South America, please visit billfish.org. Or you can write to Stark at Elliott_Stark@billfish.org or phone him at TBF at 800-438-8247 ext. 101.
###

View the original article here

NY Coastal Anglers to Get Refunds

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that anglers and boat captains who plunked down money for a saltwater fishing license in 2011 prior to the license repeal in March will be refunded in full.

At a morning press conference at the Freeport Boatmen's Association in Freeport on Long Island, Governor Cuomo said he has directed the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to issue refunds to recreational fishermen and charter boat operators who purchased a recreational marine fishing license in addition to refunding license fees to New Yorkers who purchased lifetime licenses.

"We fought for provisions in the state budget to restore free fishing in New York's saltwater areas so it's only fair the New Yorkers who had to pay for licenses receive a refund," Governor Cuomo said. "The federal government required that we help manage a wide variety of species in coastal waters, but it was unfair to ask New Yorkers to pay for it. Fair is fair - if you bought a license or paid a charter boat fee for this year before our new free registry was in place, you will get your money back."

The federal government requires all fishermen in marine waters must be registered, and the state originally met this requirement by adopting a saltwater license. However, the 2011-2012 New York State budget eliminated the license fee, creating a no-fee registration program to comply with federal law. Therefore, any New Yorker who purchased a license for 2011 will be issued a refund.

Refunds totaling $1.35 million have already been issued to approximately 9,000 saltwater anglers who purchased a "lifetime license" and starting today the DEC will begin issuing refunds to approximately 200 charter boat operators totaling $80,000 dollars; and to approximately 23,000 individuals who purchased an annual license at the start of this year refunds totaling $220,000 dollars. All refunds are expected to be issued by the end of summer.

Senator Lee M. Zeldin said, "Governor Cuomo's unyielding leadership, vision and dedication is getting our state's fiscal house in order and stimulating our economy. Earlier this year, we passed a budget that successfully eliminated the fee to the recreational saltwater fishing license. And now the Governor is taking this one step further by directing the DEC to refund those individuals and businesses who purchased an annual fishing license for 2011. In addition, the new no-fee registry will continue to ensure that fishing remains free for all New Yorkers and make Long Island more attractive to tourist and businesses."

Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. said, "By directing the DEC to issue refunds to fishermen and businesses that purchased a license, Governor Cuomo is putting money back into the pockets of thousands of New Yorkers. This is real money that will benefit real people as well as bolster Long Island's fishing and tourism industry. I thank Governor Cuomo for making fishing affordable for all New Yorkers."

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said, "Fishing in the ocean, Sound and Great South Bay was never meant to be like driving through the Midtown Tunnel, with a fee-to-enter. That's why we fought so hard and this is such a huge win for Long Island families and small fishing businesses who will now not have to pay these unprecedented and unfair license fees. By creating a free license registry, Governor Cuomo and the New York State legislature have done the right thing for Long Island anglers already struggling in these tough economic times."

Jim Hutchinson Jr., Managing Director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance and President of the New York Sportfishing Federation said, "Governor Cuomo has made it clear that his top priority is to stimulate New York's economy and protect our states natural resources at the same time. In directing the DEC to refund fishermen and businesses, the Governor is putting real money back into the pockets of New Yorkers. I applaud the Governor for creating the no-fee registry that will help create and sustain jobs throughout the fishing community in Long Island."

Capt. Tony DiLernia who has been personally recommended by the Governor to take the state's obligatory seat at the Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council said "I thank Governor Cuomo for taking action to refund fishermen and businesses across the state. The Governor is giving us our money back and making sure that fishing is available to any and all New Yorkers. Long Island's local economy depends on the tourism and business generated by the fishing industry and the no-fee registry will continue to create jobs and business opportunities."

John Mantione of the New York Fishing Tackle Trades Association praised the governor's announcement today for what it means to the recreational fishing community on Long Island. "The Governor showed a unique ability to combine commerce and conservation, while recognizing the role of the recreational fishing industry and its contribution to the overall economy in the state of New York."

"As a saltwater angler himself, Governor Cuomo made a very strong statement today that he's committed to solving the financial problems in New York and not simply by taxing the working class," Hutchinson added. "Not only did this governor close a $10 billion budget deficit without raising new taxes, he's actually repealed an unfavorable fishing tax and has already put that money back into the economy where it can do the most good."

RFA and the New York Sportfishing Federation remind anglers of the importance of adhering to the free registration requirements in terms of helping the federal fisheries service improve harvest data within the recreational sector. Anglers fishing in New York coastal waters are encouraged to visit www.dec.ny.gov/permits/54950.html for free registration information.

Media Contact
Jim Hutchinson, Jr. / 888-564-6732

View the original article here

Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement Program Funds First Wenatchee River Salmon Fishery in 25 Years

The Wenatchee River salmon fishery-recently opened for the first time in at least 25 years- is the latest result of the Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement program.

Since April 2010, all anglers 15 years and older fishing for salmon or steelhead on the Columbia River or its tributaries have been required to purchase an $8.75 endorsement to support management of those fisheries. The endorsement pays for Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery management activities including scientific monitoring and evaluation, data collection, permitting, reporting and enforcement.

The endorsement has generated more than $1 million annually to avert recreational fishery closures and increase fishing opportunities throughout the Columbia River basin.

"This program has made it possible to maintain existing opportunity and open new fisheries such as the Wenatchee River hatchery summer salmon season," said WDFW Fish Program Assistant Director Jim Scott.

The Wenatchee River fishery opened Aug. 1 from the river mouth at the confluence with the Columbia River to 400 feet below Dryden Dam. Anglers are allowed to retain two hatchery-marked (adipose-fin-clipped) adult and jack summer chinook salmon per day. The season runs through Oct. 15 with selective gear rules and night closure in effect. Anglers are required release fish other than hatchery chinook salmon.

Another section of the Wenatchee River, from the mouth of Peshastin Creek to the Icicle Creek road bridge west of Leavenworth, will open Sept. 1 through Oct. 15 for retention of hatchery summer chinook salmon under the same rules.

Season and rule details are listed on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/erule.jsp?id=1077.

The Wenatchee River fishery is allowed because hatchery summer chinook returns to the river are expected to exceed spawning escapement needs, WDFW's Northcentral Regional Fish Program Manager Jeff Korth explained. Hatchery summer chinook are not listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, but Upper Columbia River spring chinook are listed as endangered and steelhead and bull trout are listed as threatened. The majority of spring chinook and bull trout have already migrated to the upper Wenatchee River, but a few steelhead remain in the area of the recently-opened fishery.

"Monitoring the impacts of the fishery on listed stocks is essential, but monitoring and other management activities for this fishery are expensive," Scott said.

Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement program was created by the 2009 Washington Legislature (Senate Bill 5421). A board of citizens representing four regions within the Columbia River basin reviews fishery proposals and has been instrumental in the success of the program.

Besides the Wenatchee River fishery, the endorsement program also supported salmon or steelhead seasons on other rivers in the Columbia River system, including the Snake, Entiat, Methow, Okanogan and Similkameen.

Media Contact
Jeff Korth, (509) 754-4624, ext. 224

View the original article here

National Bass Fishing Champion John Fox Endorses The New Powerfish’n Hybrid Reel for Senior Anglers

Nationally recognized angler John Fox, Fishing Hall of Famer, winner of Ten World and National Bass Fishing Championships and popular host of the TV series The Senior Outdoorsman, is a big fan of the Powerfish’n Hybrid Reel and uses it to catch up to 10 pound bass. He says “This incredible spinning reel performs flawlessly and is a “MUST HAVE for seniors and handicapped or disabled fishermen.”

With ten thousand Baby Boomers a day turning 65 and having more time for the joys of fishing, Rock Island Equipment Company has introduced Powerfish’n, a new Hybrid Reel that gives senior anglers a unique choice -- Manual or Automatic.

Like anglers of all ages, every one of the tens of millions of senior fishing enthusiasts throughout the world has strong opinions -- on the best places to fish, the best equipment to use, the most effective lures and techniques, the best types of fish to catch, even the best times of day to fish. But one thing they all agree on is the benefit of having choices. Now there’s a new choice to that makes “catching the big one again” by seniors even more enjoyable and less tiring: manual or automatic. Senior anglers everywhere are choosing the remarkable new hybrid reel that gives them that choice.

The PowerFish’nTM Pro from Rock Island Equipment Company is the first in a new line of hybrid reels for fresh water fishing. The PowerFish’n Pro features a traditional Shakespeare spinning reel fitted with a strong, quiet, electric motor to enhance the fishing experience. It gives users the choice between manually hand-cranking the line in or retrieving it automatically with the touch of a switch. Users can now fish longer without getting arm or shoulder fatigue, have more options and techniques for trolling, bass fishing, ice fishing and generally enjoy their fishing experience even more.

The new PowerFish’nTM hybrid reel is available exclusively at www.powerfishn.com and through hundreds of fishing equipment web sites. List price for the reel is $199.95. In addition to being able to conveniently purchase the PowerFish’n reel, visitors to www.powerfishn.com are also able to get daily Fishing Almanac information, learn to tie various knots, see detailed Fish of the Day information and study a comprehensive Fishopedia. Visitors can also enter a Big Fish Story photo contest to win a charter fishing trip. The site also features a video demonstration of the Powerfish’n hybrid reel along with links to environmental organizations and some of America’s best charter fishing boats.

Specifications
Model Capacity
(yds./lbs.) Gear
Ratio Weight*
(oz.) Class
PF-100 170/10 5.2:1 29.9 oz. Light
* Includes batteries.

The Powerfish’n Reel Features:

? Instant Anti-Reverse Feature
? Graphite Body
? 1 Ball Bearing
? 1 Needle-Roller Ball Bearing
? Smooth Multi-Disc Drag System
? Precision Die-Cast Gears
? On/Off Anti-Reverse
? E-Z Power Switch
? Stainless Steel Guides
? Graphite Reel Seat
? Rotor and Metal Side Cover
? Operates on 4 AA Batteries
Standard or Re-chargeable
? Spooled with 10 Lb Line
One Year Limited Warranty

View the original article here

NRP Urges Boaters to Plan for Increasing Storm Activity

Annapolis, Md. - The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) are asking mariners to plan for hurricanes and tropical storms and to safeguard their boats, given the recent activity in the Atlantic Ocean.

"Planning is the key to minimizing injury and loss of life," said Col. George Johnson IV. "Boaters need to make plans well in advance of a storm so that definite boat docking, mooring or hauling arrangements can be performed quickly and without delay."

When deciding on storm preparation plans, mariners need to consider size, type of boat and location. Current boat locations may not offer protection from high winds or tides. Boaters should consider the following when making arrangement for their vessels:

Remove valuable equipment from a boat to protect it from damage.
Consider removing a boat from the water to reduce damage from storm surge. Boats on land should be properly stored or tied down to prevent being damaged by winds. Small open boats can be filled with water to lessen the effect of the wind.
Boats remaining in the water should be moored in safe areas or berths. Lines should be doubled and high on pilings. Remember storm surges can cause tides over the pilings.
Install fenders to protect boats from pilings, piers or other vessels.
Ensure bilge pumps work properly and batteries that run the pumps are fully charged.
Seal all openings to make the vessel watertight.
Collect all documents, including insurance policies. Take photographs of boats and equipment for insurance
Do not stay aboard boats during storms. Safeguard human life.

Boaters should take these actions at least 48-72 hours prior to the event to accommodate unforeseen problems. During the storm, occupants should be off the water and in safe shelters. NRP reminds boaters that storm conditions can delay or prevent response from emergency personnel.

Additional information on hurricane preparedness may be found at http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm and http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/prepared_week.shtml

Media Contact
Sgt. A.A. Windemuth
410-260-8003 office | 410-713-8449 cell
awindemuth@dnr.state.md.us

View the original article here

FWC urges boat owners to secure their vessels before storm hits

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advises boat owners to secure their boats properly in advance of possible sustained heavy winds from Hurricane Irene.

Vessels that break free can cause problems to waterways by causing fuel and oil pollution, drifting into bridges, docks, seawalls and piers, and interfering with navigation. In addition, the boats themselves can sustain damage.

"Now is the time to properly secure your vessel to make sure it doesn't break free and cause damage to property or result in people getting injured," said Capt. Tom Shipp with the FWC's Boating and Waterways Section.

If boat owners trailer their boats, the FWC recommends they secure their vessels in a safe location, let some air out of the trailer tires, block the wheels and, if possible, anchor the boat down and/or add weight to help keep the boat in place.

Florida has laws that relate to abandoned vessels. The state is often overwhelmed with lost, abandoned and damaged vessels following significant weather events.

Residents are encouraged to call their local law enforcement agencies or the FWC at 888-404-3922 to report vessels that have broken free.

The FWC's Division of Law Enforcement and other law enforcement agencies are often tasked with helping people who intentionally put themselves at risk, such as personal watercraft operators who view the high waves created by a storm as an opportunity to jump waves.

"Thrill-seekers are advised to avoid the waters and high winds created from the storm," Shipp said. "Please keep in mind that when people choose to act irresponsibly, they jeopardize others. They cause law enforcement officers, rescue workers and other emergency personnel to risk their lives unnecessarily."

Tropical storms and hurricanes are unpredictable. All boaters are urged to keep up to date on the path of this storm and take the appropriate actions. To find out more about properly mooring vessels, reporting debris and for other useful information, go to MyFWC.com/Boating. Report damaged markers by calling 866-405-BUOY (866-405-2869).

Media Contact
Katie Purcell, 850-459-6585

View the original article here