Tom Davidson Sr., founding chairman of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, was inducted into the International Game Fish Association's Fishing Hall of Fame on August 29 at Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, recognizing his lifetime of leadership in fisheries conservation.
The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division received the 2025 Sport Fish Restoration Outstanding Project Award from the American Fisheries Society for managing DeKalb County Public Fishing Lake. Matthew Marshall and Mike Holley's team transformed the 120-acre lake through renovations, habitat improvements, and strategic stocking, resulting in doubled permit sales and a thriving quality bass fishery.
Bill Yeargin, board chair and former president and CEO of Correct Craft, was announced as a 2026 inductee into the National Marine Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame. Over two decades, Yeargin transformed Correct Craft into a diversified family of businesses spanning boats, engines, watersports, and technology.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources warns boaters of challenges at public water access sites due to ongoing drought conditions affecting 48% of the state in severe drought. Low water levels may expose obstructions at boat ramps, and the DNR recommends inspecting ramps, using spotters, and considering early watercraft removal to prevent complications.
BoatU.S. Magazine's September/October issue features ten top boating towns selected by associate editor Kelsey Bonham Bailey and contributing editor Mike Longman, including Traverse City, Michigan; East Greenwich, Rhode Island; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Osage Beach, Missouri; Stuart, Florida; Portland, Maine; Mooresville, North Carolina; Anacortes, Washington; Minnetonka, Minnesota; and Annapolis, Maryland.
Fishing industry veterans Mike Batta and Clint Walker launched Batta-Walker Sales, LLC, a manufacturer's representative agency serving the fishing, marine, and outdoor industries. The agency provides experienced sales representation, dealer development, and territory management throughout Florida, leveraging decades of combined experience from companies including Abu Garcia, Pure Fishing, and Defender Industries.
19-year-old Beau Schilling made history by becoming the first rookie to win the National Walleye Tour's Angler of the Year title in 2026. Competing alongside his father Chad and fellow 19-year-old Jayden Wendel, Schilling dominated multiple qualifiers using Rapala's Mooch Minnow and VMC Tungsten jigs across various fisheries including Lake Erie, Lake Oahe, and Green Bay.
The newly rebranded Bassmaster College Classic Cup presented by Lew's debuts October 9-11 on Wilson Lake in Florence, Alabama, featuring a three-day tournament format. The champion wins a berth in the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, a Toyota Tundra, Nitro boat, $7,500 prize money, and entry into a Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens division.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is accepting entries for the 2027 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest with a deadline of October 30, 2026. The contest features 10 categories and accepts up to 10 photos per amateur photographer, with winning images displayed in traveling exhibits across Alabama during 2027.
CCA Louisiana's Impact Team is hosting sixteen waterway cleanups across Louisiana parishes in September, supported by lead sponsor Woodside Energy and a $10,000 grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful. The initiative, part of the Love Our Waterways program, aims to remove litter and marine debris while engaging volunteers to protect Louisiana's fisheries and coastal resources.
The Black River Lake Sturgeon Hatchery and Research Center celebrates 25 years of lake sturgeon recovery with Sturgeon Palooza on September 25, 2026. The free event features the documentary "Dinosaur Fish," panel discussions, and displays from partners including Michigan State University, Great Lakes Fishery Trust, and Sturgeon for Tomorrow.
Conservation partners including NorthWestern Energy, the Madison River Foundation, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the Bureau of Land Management, and Geum Environmental Consulting are launching two side channel restoration projects on the upper Madison River from September through November to improve trout habitat and spawning conditions.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Cornhusker Fly Fishers Club will host a beginners fly-fishing and fly-tying class on October 10 at Chadron State Park. Participants will learn casting, fly tying, and knots to catch trout and panfish, with all equipment provided. The $25 workshop is limited to 25 participants.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host an Introduction to Fishing program on Sept. 26 at Belladona Pond near Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center in Branson. Participants will learn pole setup, casting, and safe fish handling, with all equipment provided. The program is open to ages 5 and up, with children requiring adult supervision.
The Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers will hold their next meeting on September 23, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Sarasota Garden Club in Sarasota, Florida. The event will feature casting and fly-tying demonstrations, and guests are welcome to attend.
The St. Martin Parish Government, in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, has scheduled a drawdown for Henderson Lake beginning August 24, 2026, to manage invasive aquatic vegetation and improve fisheries habitat. The lake will dewater at 2-4 inches daily until reaching 6.0 feet mean sea level, concluding November 2, 2026.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks lifted hoot-owl restrictions on the Madison River upstream of Hebgen Reservoir due to cooling water temperatures. Restrictions remain in effect on the lower Madison River and drought-related closures continue for the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers.
MassWildlife will stock over 70,000 trout across Massachusetts starting in late September, including brown trout and rainbow trout of various sizes. New self-guided tour signs at four hatcheries invite visitors to see how trout are raised from fry to stocking size.
Tyler Harmon of Ravenswood, West Virginia set a state record by catching a 72.75-pound blue catfish on the Ohio River on August 29. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources certified the new weight record, which was caught using cut bait on 40-pound test line.
NJDEP Fish & Wildlife's R3 Fishing Program offers free beginner fishing workshops covering fish biology, equipment setup, safety, casting, and regulations. Three workshops are scheduled: First Catch Center Family Fishing Workshop on September 13 at Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery, and two "Let's Go Fishing!" sessions on September 23 at Echo Lake and October 7 at Willingboro Lakes County Park.
The Missouri Department of Conservation invites the public to a pond-to-plate fishing event on September 17 at McKay Park Lake in Jefferson City. Participants ages 15 and older will fish for carp, then learn to clean and cook their catch, with all gear provided.
Jeff "Kolo" Kolodzinski, known as Marathon Man, returns to the water this week for a 24-hour fishing marathon at Camp Dallas in Spring Bay, Illinois, targeting 2,500 fish to honor America's 250th year. The event, now partnering with Fishing Chaos for a national challenge, supports military families and first responders through the nonprofit Camp Dallas.
Z-Man Fishing Products released the ChatterBait PZ2, a bladed jig replacing the Project Z ChatterBait. The PZ2 features a swim-jig-style head, 5/0 heavy-duty hook, and stainless hex-shaped ChatterBlade, available in 3/8- and 1/2-ounce sizes at $7.99 MSRP.
The American Sportfishing Association is hiring a Membership Development & Services Specialist in Alexandria, Virginia. The full-time position, reporting to the Director of Membership with a salary of $60,000–$70,000, involves recruiting and retaining members, providing member services, and supporting ASA events including ICAST and the Sportfishing Summit.
Daiwa introduces the Lexa LC 150H/150HL line-counter reel, engineered by angler request to combine compact, ergonomic handling with deep spool capacity for walleye and kokanee trolling. The reel features a rigid aluminum frame, direct-drive mechanical line counter, and Ultimate Tournament Drag system with 11-pound maximum drag.
Berkley has launched the SlapGill, a topwater bait designed to replicate distressed panfish with realistic action and detail. Available in two sizes and seven panfish-inspired colorways, the bait features ultra-sharp Fusion19 treble hooks and produces a distinctive surface slap action when worked slowly around shallow cover.
Whitewater Fishing introduces the Basin Deck Boot, a 100% waterproof fishing boot combining athletic shoe support with rain boot protection. Featuring 3mm neoprene construction, anti-slip outsoles, and a contoured arch-support insole, the boot is priced at $99.99 and available in sizes 8-13.
Flambeau Outdoors introduces two new dry box models—the compact 7415DM and larger 1409—designed to keep boating essentials organized and protected. Both feature continuous rubber gaskets, all-plastic construction resistant to rust, and are stackable and padlock-compatible for security.
Z-Man® has released the MudStudZ™, a pre-rigged bottom-contact inshore swimbait designed for oyster reefs and rocky bottoms. Available in 10 regional forage-matched colors and two sizes, the product features a low center of gravity, SWAG™ tail, and 10X Tough ElaZtech® construction for durability against predators and abrasive cover.
Simms Fishing Products appointed Dexter Levandoski as Global Sales Leader effective September 15. Levandoski brings 15+ years of fishing industry experience, including leadership roles at Patagonia and Poncho Outdoors, to strengthen global partnerships and drive growth.
NEBO, THAW, and TRUE deliver essential outdoor gear across three categories: THAW provides rechargeable personal heating products for cold conditions, TRUE offers multi-functional tools for camping and grilling, and NEBO supplies portable lighting and power solutions for boaters, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division and Hurricane City are partnering on the Life Jacket Blitz initiative to increase life jacket use and water safety at Sand Hollow and Quail Creek State Parks from Labor Day Weekend through September, combining public education, community outreach, and targeted enforcement.
GAME & FISH TV, powered by Outdoor Sportsman Group, launches "G&F Legends" programming block featuring Bone Collector with Michael Waddell and Nick Mundt, Jim Shockey's UNCHARTED, and Gun Stories hosted by Joe Mantegna every Friday evening in September.
World Fishing Network's "Reel Catch Saturdays" features premier bass fishing programming including MLF Bass Pro Tour, Ott DeFoe's The Hunt for Monster Bass, Kevin VanDam's The VanDam Experience, Mark Zona's Awesome Fishing Show, and Ultimate Match Fishing, airing 6:00-10:00 p.m. ET.
MyOutdoorTV launches a September programming lineup featuring new seasons of popular shows including Roger Raglin, BuckVentures with Jeff Danker, Buckmasters, and Whitetail Properties, with content from Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, and World Fishing Network available on multiple streaming platforms.
Gamakatsu pro staff angler Trey McKinney won the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title at age 21, becoming the youngest angler ever to claim the championship and surpassing Kevin VanDam's previous record. McKinney finished the nine-event season with 735 points and earned a $100,000 prize, pushing his career earnings past $900,000.
Ten-year-old Vivi Veitch discovered freshwater jellyfish (Craspedacusta sowerbii) near Canyon Ferry Reservoir in Montana, which Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks confirmed. The species, native to eastern Asia, was last reported in Montana in 2009 near Great Falls and is harmless to humans.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is hosting free kokanee salmon viewing events at Strawberry Reservoir on September 19 and Fish Lake on September 26, where visitors can see the bright red fish during their fall spawning season. The fish are protected from September 10 to November 30.
SeaFend air bags inflate at the touch of a button, allowing a boat to stay afloat even with a large hole in the bottom, per the company. (Sea Fend)
Most boat owners rarely or never consider the possibility that their boat may someday sink. But it happens. Sea Tow alone reports some 800 calls a year for boats taking on water.
A new safety system from an Italian company could act as insurance against a boat ever going to the bottom. Sea Fend is developing a system of giant inflatable bags designed to keep a flooded boat on the surface long enough to get its crew to safety and, if possible, get the boat towed or motored back to port.
The concept is pretty simple. Multiple flotation bags are mounted around the hull, either hidden behind flush-fitting panels on a new boat or enclosed in streamlined external housings on a retrofit installation.
It’s not an automatic, instantaneous system like automotive air bags, however. If the hull suffers a serious breach, the skipper activates the system and electric pumps inflate the bags, adding enough buoyancy to keep the boat from going to the bottom.
Sea Fend says inflation takes five to 25 minutes, depending on the size of the system. The current version is designed for boats from about 30 to 65 feet and up to 45 tons, with the number and placement of bags customized to the vessel.
That could be useful in situations that don't necessarily involve a dramatic collision. A ruptured hose, failed through-hull fitting or other leak can put a boat on the bottom. A collision with a submerged object or floating debris can obviously create a much more immediate emergency.
But would the average recreational boater buy it?
Probably not.
Sea Fend estimates the system will cost roughly 3% to 5% of the boat's value. On a $50,000 boat, that's $1,500 to $2,500. On a $100,000 boat, you're looking at $3,000 to $5,000, and on a $200,000 boat, the flotation system could run $6,000 to $10,000.
The inflatable flotation bags are hidden under the gunwales of the boat until activated, then expand quickly to keep the boat afloat. (Sea Fend)
That's a lot of money for something most boat owners think they'll never need. A fisherman running a 20-foot fiberglass boat on an inland lake is unlikely to spend several thousand dollars on a system designed to save his boat from a catastrophic sinking.
But the calculation changes when the boat is going somewhere that rescue and salvage are difficult—and accidents more likely.
Consider a 50-foot expedition boat working its way along the rocky Alaska coast, where a hull breach could leave the crew a long way from a repair facility. Or a cruising boat making an extended offshore passage where a collision with floating debris could turn into a survival situation. Commercial operators, research vessels and other boats working in remote waters have even more reason to consider the consequences of losing the vessel.
In those situations, the question isn't simply whether the airbags are worth 3% or 5% of the boat's value. It's whether they provide enough additional time to keep a damaged vessel afloat until help arrives.
There is an insurance angle, too. A sunken boat can become a total loss, with recovery costs adding substantially to the bill. If insurers eventually determine that a properly installed anti-sinking system reduces total losses, premium discounts could make the economics considerably more attractive. So far, however, there's no indication that insurance companies have established such discounts for Sea Fend.
Appearance could be another dividing line between new boats and retrofits. On a new boat, the flotation bags can be built into molded recesses behind flush-fitting panels, making them essentially invisible until deployed. Retrofit installations use external torpedo-shaped housings. They're designed to minimize drag and visual impact, but they're still obvious hardware attached to the outside of the boat.
Activating the Sea Fend airbags also can be linked to call the nearest rescue agency, a necessity if your boat is full of water, even though it stays afloat. (Sea Fend)
That could make factory installation the more attractive route. A builder could engineer the mounting points, flotation capacity and balance into the boat from the beginning and hide the system behind the hull sides.
Sea Fend also provides remote monitoring and activation through an app, along with GPS information and system status. The company says the system can operate from a separate battery so it can continue functioning if flooding disables the boat's normal electrical system.
For the average lake boater, an anti-sinking system may be an expensive answer to a problem he doesn't expect to encounter.
For somebody heading into the wilderness along the Alaska coast, crossing an ocean or operating a valuable boat far from help, the question could look very different.
