Tom Davidson Sr., Founding Chairman of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, will be inducted into the International Game Fish Association's Fishing Hall of Fame on August 29, 2026, at Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, recognizing his lifetime of leadership in fisheries conservation.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges boaters to prioritize safety as spring weather warms, emphasizing that water temperatures remain dangerously cold. CPW Director Laura Clellan and Boating Safety Program Manager Grant Brown stress the importance of wearing life jackets, as cold water immersion can cause hypothermia and drowning.

NMMA, AMI, MRAA, and BoatUS joined the Congressional Boating Caucus for a Capitol Hill briefing led by Reps. Rudy Yakym and Don Davis to discuss federal policy supporting boating infrastructure, access to public waters, and the recreational boating industry's $230 billion annual economic impact.

Yamaha pro angler Banks Shaw won the third Major League Fishing Pro Circuit tournament of 2026 at Wheeler Lake in Decatur, Alabama, totaling 62 pounds to earn the $100,000 top prize. Shaw's victory marks his second MLF win this year and moves him into the lead for Angler of the Year.

With $9.4 million from NOAA Fisheries' Office of Habitat Conservation, the Indian River Lagoon Council and its partners are leading 15 restoration projects across the 156-mile estuary. Innovations include Charlie Sembler's Spartan Reef and University of Florida professor Todd Osborne's resilient "super clams," while seagrass restoration efforts have planted over 23 acres.

Louisiana and Open Ocean Trustees approved a final restoration plan addressing injuries from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The plan includes Chandeleur Islands Habitat Restoration Alternative 5, investing up to $237 million to restore over 2,400 acres of dune, beach, and marsh habitats, plus the Fisheries Engagement and Restoration Project with $10 million in funding.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife surveyed Bobtail and Steelman creeks in September 2025, finding over 1,300 cutthroat trout and successful YY brook trout populations one year after stocking. Aquatic Biologist Jon Ewert and Native Aquatic Species Coordinator Boyd Wright reported encouraging results, with cutthroat trout significantly outnumbering wild brook trout in both creeks.

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, partnering with the Bahamas Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs, launched tidal creek restoration projects on Grand Bahama Island to reconnect marine habitats supporting the world's flats fisheries. Work at West Gap Creek and August Creek will restore tidal flow, support mangrove regeneration, and improve water quality through 2026.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department inspectors intercepted a watercraft from Oklahoma carrying viable zebra mussels at a checkstation in a multi-state coordination effort with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The boat was quarantined and sealed, requiring professional decontamination before launch. Josh Leonard, Game and Fish aquatic invasive species coordinator, emphasized the importance of year-round vigilance and proper inspection protocols.

Derek Dermyer of Washington Township was sentenced to 30-180 days in jail after being found guilty of fishing without a license and fishing while licenses were revoked. As a habitual offender with previous DNR violations, Dermyer also received $2,980 in fines and a seven-year fishing license revocation.

The Angling Trades Association will host its first-ever UK Angling Summit on November 19th at The Arden Hotel in Birmingham. The event will bring together tackle trade professionals, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and fisheries to discuss industry trends and key issues affecting UK angling.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department's 2026 Outdoor Expo will operate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 28-29 due to forecasted record-high temperatures. Admission and parking remain free with all activities continuing as planned. Gold sponsor Sig Sauer and silver sponsor Kimber support the event.

The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) Conference & Expo will be held September 28 to October 2, 2026, at the Hilton Rockwall/Dallas Lakefront on Lake Ray Hubbard. The event features technical sessions, manufacturer demos, and a new contest awarding the best training seminar. NMEA members receive complimentary registration including meals.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department celebrates 40 years of the Toyota ShareLunker Program, which has partnered with anglers to breed trophy largemouth bass. The 2025 season set records with 469 anglers entering 1,071 lunker bass, including Cullie Belveal's 16.39-pound fish at O.H. Ivie Lake.

Idaho Fish and Game's Lake Pend Oreille Angler Science Program relies on volunteer anglers to monitor the trophy rainbow trout fishery. Data collected in 2025 showed improved catch rates and consistent trophy-sized catches, with Fishery Research Biologist Jeff Strait noting the program's value in tracking fishery trends.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Bureau of Reclamation will host an open house on April 9 in Havre to discuss the Fresno fishery management plan, 2025 netting results, and Milk River Project updates. Fresno Reservoir ranks as a top 5 fishing destination in Northeast Montana, generating over $1 million in annual angling revenue.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission approved funding for the Dan Speas Warm and Cool Water Facility expansion in Casper. The project will produce warm and cool water fish species locally, reducing reliance on out-of-state sources from Arkansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Oklahoma while mitigating aquatic invasive species risks. Sletten Construction of Wyoming won the $20.9 million bid, with construction beginning September 2026.

NOAA Fisheries announced the 2026-2027 recreational fishing season for black sea bass in federal waters south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, opening April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. Recreational landings are projected to remain below the 366,510-pound catch limit, keeping the season open year-round.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and the Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative will host a State of the Lake Fisheries public meeting on March 28 in Burlington, Vermont. The meeting will cover lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey, invasive species, and angler experiences with Forward Facing Sonar technology.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will present Bear Lake fishery updates and 2026 work plans at a public meeting on April 8 at 6 p.m. in Montpelier, Idaho. Biologists will discuss population trends and management efforts for the lake's fish species.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) will stock over 50,000 golden rainbow trout at 69 lakes and streams from March 30 to April 11. Anglers catching tagged fish can win prizes including a lifetime fishing license and state park stays, with West Virginia State Parks offering 15% discounts at select locations.

As spring arrives in the Northeast, striped bass anglers are embracing large glide baits as an exciting alternative to traditional techniques. Experts Anthony DeiCicchi from On the Water and Capt. Robert Taylor of Newport Sport Fishing Charters discuss why these oversized lures are gaining popularity and the specialized gear needed for success.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife awarded 10,127 Fish Ohio pins to anglers in 2025 across 26 species. Lake Erie led with 3,867 qualifying catches, while popular inland destinations included Mosquito Creek Lake, Buckeye Lake, and Alum Creek Lake. The program celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026.

Virginia's Department of Wildlife Resources reports abundant walleye fishing opportunities expected in 2026 through collaborative hatchery efforts. DWR fisheries biologists and hatchery staff at Vic Thomas, Front Royal, King and Queen, and Buller Fish Cultural Stations propagate walleye fingerlings stocked across Commonwealth waters.

Bailey Bleser and his father Rich won the US Anglers Choice National Championship on Pickwick Lake with 49.01 pounds, earning nearly $80,000 and qualification for the 2026 Bassmaster Team Championship. The victory highlights how grassroots tournament trails like US Anglers Choice and B.A.S.S. Nation provide pathways for competitive anglers to reach the highest levels of professional bass fishing.

Idaho Fish and Game's Hagerman Wildlife Management Area opened for fishing on March 1, featuring a dozen stocked ponds and lakes with rainbow trout, including the area's legendary yellow-colored "banana trout" variant. The facility offers family-friendly amenities and benefits from its mild climate and Fish and Game's Hagerman Hatchery operations.

Wisconsin's 2026-2027 inland trout harvest season will open one month earlier on April 4 and run through October 15, 2026. The earlier opening provides expanded fishing opportunities on inland streams, springs, and spring ponds when trout populations are strong and other seasons are closed.

Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders and Abu Garcia unveiled limited-edition Abu Garcia x PRIME21 Series Combos featuring baitcast, spinning, and spincast models. The collaboration merges Abu Garcia's engineering with Sanders's style, available at Academy Sports + Outdoors, Walmart, Sportsman's Warehouse, and Tackle Warehouse.

Berkley expands its popular PowerBait CullShad soft swimbait with a new 5-inch size and five bite-triggering colors including Green Shad, Green Gizzard, Honeypot, Tennessee Shad, and Chrome Flash. The new profile offers a more compact option for pressured fisheries while maintaining the proven performance and PowerBait flavor of the original sizes.

Berkley introduces GinClear, a premium fluorocarbon line featuring super smooth finish, ultra-low memory, and levelwind spooling for superior casting performance and manageability. The product outperformed leading competitors in field tests for manageability, knot strength, and abrasion resistance, available now in 200-yard and 2,000-yard spools.

Berkley has upgraded its Nessie soft-bodied glide bait with a new 11-inch size, redesigned hook harness system with magnetic stinger hook, and three new colors: Greenback, Honeypot, and Chrome Gizzard. The enhanced bait maintains its proven glide action while improving hook-up ratios and durability for targeting larger fish.

Hydroflyer announced the Hydroflyer AL, an entry-level electric hydrofoil priced at $9,995, alongside the Hydroflyer CF ($15,995) and high-performance Hydroflyer FF ($18,995). The handlebar-based design prioritizes safety and accessibility for new riders while offering experienced users greater control.

Berkley announced its Lab Series soft baits, combining MaxScent and PowerBait with a new MaxScent Rapid Release Slime in small-batch layered construction. The platform launches with three technique-driven baits—the Minnow, Flat Worm, and Finesse Worm—each priced at $14.99 and available May 2026.

Daiwa celebrates two decades of STEEZ® excellence with the release of the STEEZ® SV LIGHT TW 100 baitcasting reel, featuring magnesium construction, ZERO ADJUST™ technology, and HYPERDRIVE® DESIGN™ for superior casting control and distance. The reel includes an Executive Steez 5-Year Service Warranty with free cleaning and service.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit promoted Scott Higgins to General Manager of Marine Engine Systems Sales and Marketing. Higgins, a Yamaha team member since 2003, will oversee strategic direction for marine engine systems sales and marketing initiatives and reports to Vice President Mark Tracy.

Z-Man Fishing Products released a documentary detailing how the ChatterBait® bladed jig evolved from Ron Davis, Sr. and Ron Davis, Jr.'s garage experiment into an influential bass fishing lure. The film chronicles the lure's tournament success, Jerry Zucker's leadership vision, and Z-Man's transformation from a component supplier into a major consumer brand through the ChatterBait and ElaZtech® material partnership.

Skeeter Boats launched skeetersaltwater.com, a dedicated website and social media channels for saltwater anglers. The new platform features Skeeter's full saltwater model lineup, customization options, and lifestyle content tailored to coastal and offshore fishing communities.

Millennium Marine showcases two essential crappie fishing products: the R100 SpyderLok Gen 2 Rod Holder System, designed for spider rigging with adjustable crossbar and 360° rotation, and the B100 Boat Seat, featuring lightweight aluminum construction and breathable fabric for all-day comfort on the water.

National Walleye Tour anglers John Hoyer and Duane "Dewey" Hjelm have switched to Norsk Lithium batteries for their 2026 tournament season boats. Both cited product reliability, reputation, and recommendations from fellow anglers like Jay Siemens and Will Pappenfus as key factors in their decision.

The International Game Fish Association released the 83rd edition of its "World Record Game Fishes" book, featuring expanded junior recognition programs, new species categories, and Dr. Guy Harvey's striped marlin artwork. The IGFA approved over 600 world records in 2025, with 75 percent released for conservation.

Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks announces a packed Q2 schedule starting March 30, featuring new series and seasons across Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, and MyOutdoorTV. Highlights include shows hosted by Chef Mike Robinson, Daniel Vitalis, Heather Douville, Chef Scott Leysath, Pat Martin, and Tommy Gomes, plus live McKenzie ASA Pro Am archery tournaments.

CCA Florida's Inter-Chapter Challenge, running since 2004, is a family-friendly inshore and offshore fishing tournament held June 4-7, 2026 in Steinhatchee. The event features multiple divisions, dinners, poker tournaments, and accommodations at Sea Hag Marina with contact Mandy Sutherland at (407) 854-7002 Ext 101.

Research by the University of Exeter, University of Lancaster, Fiji Shark Lab, and Beqa Adventure Divers found that bull sharks at Fiji's Shark Reef Marine Reserve have active social preferences and form friendships similar to humans. Lead researcher Natasha D. Marosi's six-year study of 184 sharks revealed complex social behaviors, with adult sharks forming the network's core and preferring partners of similar size.

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Native Herpetology Coordinator Alyssa Hoekstra provides guidance on avoiding rattlesnake encounters during spring and summer. The article covers identification of Utah's five rattlesnake species, safety protocols if encountered, pet protection measures, and yard prevention tips to help recreationalists stay safe.

Florida anglers and conservationists got two wins last week when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a pair of bills aimed at strengthening coastal protection, improving environmental permitting, and restoring public access to some of the state’s most cherished fishing waters. DeSantis signed the legislation during an event in Bradenton that also included a long-awaited update on the reconstruction of the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers.

At the center of Senate Bill 302 is a decisive move to protect the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, a biologically rich estuary bordering lower Tampa Bay that has increasingly found itself under development pressure—including an astounding proposal to dredge out a major commercial cruise port just adjacent. The new law formally prohibits dredging or filling of submerged lands within the preserve, hopefully closing the door on large-scale commercial navigation or industrial projects in the area.

While passive uses such as fishing and boating remain allowed, any future changes to the preserve must now clear a higher bar, including state-level review and public transparency. Supporters say the shift locks in protections that previously relied more on administrative rules than statute.

For anglers, the importance of Terra Ceia is hard to overstate. The shallow flats, mangrove shorelines, and tidal creeks provide nursery habitat for snook, redfish, seatrout, and forage species that support fisheries throughout Tampa Bay. Protecting water clarity and seagrass health there has ripple effects far beyond the preserve’s boundaries.

Beyond Terra Ceia, SB 302 expands Florida’s use of nature-based coastal defenses. The bill encourages wetland rehabilitation, oyster reef construction, and mangrove restoration as tools to reduce erosion and storm surge while improving habitat. It also updates permitting processes to move restoration projects more quickly and allows agencies to deploy new technologies in shoreline protection efforts.

Skyway Fishing Pier Reconstruction

Alongside the policy announcements came news many anglers have been waiting to hear: reconstruction of the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers is officially underway.

DeSantis confirmed that a new pier will be constructed on the Manatee County side of the bridge, while the existing Pinellas County pier will be improved and extended. Early work includes upgrades to parking areas and wider sidewalks along the seawall to improve safety and access for anglers and sightseers.

To minimize lost fishing opportunity during construction, the state is fast-tracking temporary fishing piers designed to keep lines in the water while permanent structures are rebuilt. Once completed, the project will restore full access to Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, long regarded as one of the most iconic shore-fishing destinations in the country.

The piers are unique in providing angler access to fish usually only caught offshore, including gag and red grouper, red snapper, king mackerel and cobia. It’s also a sure thing for Spanish mackerel, king mackerel and in summer, tarpon.

For generations, the Skyway piers have offered anglers without boats a chance to reach deep water, seasonal migrations, and a remarkable mix of species.

Taken together, the new laws and infrastructure commitments signal a clear policy direction: protect what remains, restore what has been damaged, and keep Florida’s coastal waters open to the public. We couldn’t ask for more.

– Frank Sargeant
Frankmako1@gmail.com