Lenny Rudow, founding editor of FishTalk magazine, has been named the 2026 Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award recipient by the Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission. Rudow is recognized for his 30-year career advocating for fisheries conservation, education, and sustainable angling through publications, podcasts, and tournaments throughout Maryland.

Grayson Mote, 20, of Ellsworth, Maine, who went missing while paddleboarding on Graham Lake on May 5th, was located deceased this evening approximately 2/10 mile from shore. The intensive search involved the Maine Warden Service, Ellsworth Police Department, Ellsworth Fire Department, Maine Marine Patrol, Maine State Police, and the Maine Forest Service.

National Safe Boating Week runs May 16-22, 2026, marking the official kickoff of the Before You Boat campaign from the BoatUS Foundation. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water recommends essential safety tips including wearing life jackets, inspecting emergency beacons, filing float plans, and checking weather conditions before boating.

ACR Electronics and Ocean Signal recommend boaters carry Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), and electronic flares during National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22). The company highlights how modern marine safety technology improves visibility, location accuracy, and rescue response times for recreational and professional boaters.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department recognizes National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22) to educate boaters and water users. Coast Guard statistics show 87% of recreational boating fatalities involved drowning victims not wearing life jackets, emphasizing the importance of proper personal flotation devices.

Wildlife Forever and Discover Mediaworks are promoting Safe-Boating.com during National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22) to encourage boaters to prioritize safety and conservation. The free online resource, developed through the Getting Families Fishing & Boating program with the U.S. Coast Guard, provides boating safety certification, educational videos, and the Clean Drain Dry campaign to prevent aquatic invasive species.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources reminds boaters to prioritize safety during National Safe Boating Week and Memorial Day weekend. Key recommendations include wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, using engine cut-off switches, boating sober, taking boater education courses, and filing float plans with someone ashore.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division will participate in National Safe Boating Week from May 16-22, conducting safety checks and reminding boaters about PFD regulations, sober operation, and boating education courses. Statistics show 87 recreational boating fatalities occurred between 2021-25, with 81 percent involving unweathered PFDs and 26 percent involving alcohol.

The National Safe Boating Council promotes responsible boating practices through National Safe Boating Week. The article provides six essential tips including vessel preparation with Garmin marine electronics, knowing your waters, wearing life jackets, having a safety plan, boating sober, and taking a boating safety course to ensure smooth sailing this season.

West Marine Inc., the nation's leading omni-channel marine aftermarket provider, announced a Restructuring Support Agreement with key financial stakeholders including 96.2% of term loan lenders and 93.9% of equity holders. The company's 200 retail locations will remain open during restructuring, with CEO Paulee Day emphasizing commitment to serving the boating community.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has resumed aquatic nuisance species sampling on the Colorado River for 2026, conducting weekly shoreline and water samplings between Granby and the Colorado-Utah border. The expanded efforts include partnership with River Corps, an AmeriCorps program operated by River Science, following zebra mussel discoveries in 2024 and 2025.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold a public meeting on May 20 at 6 p.m. in Neihart to discuss a fish barrier project on Harley Creek designed to restore native westslope cutthroat trout in the Little Belt Mountains. The project will isolate 5.5 miles of creek from non-native fish and expand the unique genetic population to reduce Endangered Species Act listing risk.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) began planting over 350,000 bulrush plants this spring across multiple St. Johns River lakes including Lake George, Lake Dexter, Lake Woodruff, Lake Beresford, Lake Monroe, and Lake Harney to restore aquatic habitat damaged by high-water levels and tropical events.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officially opened the Upper Illinois River Water Trail, the first Arkansas Water Trail in Northwest Arkansas and the first to span two states. The 15.5-mile trail runs from Chamber Springs Access near Pedro through Siloam Springs Kayak Park to WOKA Whitewater Park in Oklahoma, developed in partnership with the Illinois River Watershed Partnership, City of Siloam Springs, Grand River Dam Authority, and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources officially opened a new 1,100-foot accessible boardwalk at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, replacing a 94-step staircase and enabling wheelchair users to experience the Upper Falls up close for the first time. The $1.6 million project, completed by OHM Advisors and ASI Environmental, was funded through DNR capital outlay and federal relief program funding from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Building Michigan Together Plan.

The Missouri Department of Conservation invites landowners and land managers to a free pond management workshop on June 13 in Warrensburg. The workshop will cover watersheds, fish stocking, aquatic plants, and invasive species control, including an on-site pond visit.

Five northern Michigan anglers were cited for possessing 34 walleye—more than double the six-fish daily limit—while fishing the Detroit River. Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division officers discovered the overlimit catch north of Milliken State Park. The anglers kept their legal daily limit and received misdemeanor citations.

Georgia's Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division launched GeorgiaRedSnapper.com to guide anglers through the Georgia Red Snapper Project running July-August 2026. The website provides registration instructions for the VESL reporting platform, season rules, and participation requirements supported by Yamaha Rightwaters.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued an executive order closing recreational gag grouper harvest in Atlantic state waters effective August 2, 2026. This aligns state and federal regulations to end overfishing and rebuild the fishery while ensuring future harvest opportunities.

Michigan's Department of Natural Resources successfully collected 4.2 million steelhead eggs despite a lightning strike damaging the Little Manistee River Weir facility. The DNR deployed the Lower Platte River Weir as a backup source for the first time, with nearly 2.2 million eggs collected at Little Manistee and approximately 2 million at Platte River weirs.

Alabama's red snapper season for private recreational anglers opens seven days a week starting May 22, 2026, providing increased fishing opportunities. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' AL Creel survey has received federal certification from NOAA Fisheries, enabling more accurate recreational fishing estimates for improved management strategies.

The American Sportfishing Association and Coastal Conservation Association jointly filed to intervene in litigation challenging the National Marine Fisheries Service's approval of Exempted Fishing Permits for the 2026 South Atlantic red snapper season. The pilot program allows Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina to implement expanded recreational seasons while collecting critical fisheries data.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources approved a recreational red snapper season running July 1 through August 31, 2026, as part of a cooperative regional effort with North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Anglers must obtain a free Red Snapper Harvest Permit and report data via the VESL app, which was funded by Yamaha Rightwaters.

The California Fish and Game Commission reopened Chinook salmon fishing on the Klamath River Basin and Sacramento River after three years of closure, with full seasons on the Feather, American, and Mokelumne rivers. CDFW Director Meghan Hertel credited hatchery production increases, habitat restoration, dam removals, and good water years for the population recovery.

The Missouri Department of Conservation invites the public to participate in Free Fishing Days on June 6 and 7, when anyone can fish without purchasing permits. MDC offers resources including the Discover Nature – Fishing Program, Rod and Reel Loaner Program, and the free MO Fishing app to help anglers get started.

This guide highlights premier access points along Virginia's tidal James River from Richmond to the Chesapeake Bay, including Ancarrows Landing, Osborne Landing, Deep Bottom Boat Landing, and Chickahominy Riverfront Park. Each location offers unique fishing opportunities for species like largemouth bass, blue catfish, striped bass, and shad, with detailed information on amenities and seasonal patterns provided by DWR.

Abu Garcia and Berkley pro Carter Nutt won the MLF Pro Circuit event at Douglas Lake, claiming his first career pro-level victory and the $100,000 grand prize. His twin brother Dylan finished second, just 6 ounces behind, continuing the Nutt brothers' breakout 2026 season in professional bass fishing.

Oregon and Washington fishery managers added six additional fishing days downstream and five upstream of Bonneville Dam for recreational spring Chinook following an in-season assessment. The U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee now expects 126,200 upriver-origin adult spring Chinook to return, with 72,591 already passing Bonneville Dam as of May 12.

Recreational fishing advocates are achieving significant victories in federal fisheries management, with President Trump approving South Atlantic states' Exempted Fishing Permits for 2026 red snapper season and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announcing extended Atlantic and Gulf red snapper seasons. These developments represent a major shift toward state-led management, improved data collection, and expanded angler access.

Whitewater Fishing highlights four technical raingear suits designed for serious anglers, including the Great Lakes Pro Jacket and Bib, Great Lakes Pro Insulated Jacket and Bib, and Riparian Jacket and Bib. Tournament pro Andy Morgan emphasizes that quality raingear is as essential as electronics for competitive fishing success.

Mud Hole Custom Tackle and CCA Florida announced Pierson Hewitt from Winter Park High School as the $5,000 Grand Scholarship winner of the Fred Crabill Youth Scholarship Program. Hewitt implemented conservation initiatives including a youth camp, rod building seminar, and lake cleanup programs. The partnership has awarded $39,000 in total scholarship funds to students focused on Florida's environmental health.

NOAA Fisheries announced up to $99 million through the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund for conservation and recovery projects supporting Pacific salmon on the West Coast and Alaska. The funding supports state and tribal projects to improve habitat and increase salmon and steelhead populations, with applications due June 29, 2026.

Mayfly Outdoors CEO Jeff Wagner discusses his fly fishing journey and career on the Fly Fisherman Loop to Loop podcast, hosted by Ross Purnell. Wagner shares his background from Sidney, Nebraska, his mentorship under figures like Monte Malzahn and Wayne Nelson, and his vision for stewarding historic fly fishing brands including Airflo, Renzetti, Ross, and Abel.

Daiwa introduces Samurai 8 Braid Ruby Pink, a premium 8-carrier braided fishing line featuring daylight-fluorescent visibility and an exclusive performance coating. Available in 4-20 pound ratings, the line combines Japanese engineering with enhanced casting distance and sensitivity for finesse anglers.

Whitewater Fishing introduces the Minimalist Packable Jacket and Pant, engineered with 100% polyester stretch fabric and 4-way mobility for unrestricted casting. Marketing Director Steve Allie highlights the suit's technical features and durability at an accessible price point, available in multiple sizes starting at $99.99.

Fish Monkey is launching its Hydro-Block Waterproof Glove and Sock collection for Fall 2026, featuring 100% waterproof protection with breathable membranes and merino wool liners. The integrated system is designed for anglers and hunters facing wet, cold conditions, with touchscreen-compatible glove panels and socks rated to 8,000mm waterproof protection.

Berkley introduces the PowerBait MaxScent 'Moeba, a finesse soft bait combining MaxScent scent dispersion technology with natural movement for high-pressure fisheries. Available in six colors and two sizes starting May 10 at $14.99 MSRP.

Unified Pros announced media partnerships with Anglers Channel and Bass 365 to provide comprehensive coverage of the 2026 Ultimate Angler World Championship Bass Fishing Tournament, September 27-October 3 at Lake Guntersville in Alabama, featuring a $500,000 first-place payout and $1 million total prize money.

Chris Caswell, renowned boating writer and former editor-in-chief of SEA Magazine, passed away May 13. He hosted the Marine Voyager cable television series and contributed to publications including Power & Motoryacht, Passagemaker, Yachting, Sail, and Cruising World, earning numerous industry awards throughout his career.

DAIWA introduces palmable electric reels, including the SEABORG 300J and SEABORG 500J, designed to make fishing accessible to youth, seniors, and adaptive anglers. The compact power-assist technology features the JOG Power Lever and MAGMAX motors, eliminating physical barriers while maintaining tactical control for anglers of all abilities.

Hi Mountain Seasonings offers a lineup of dips, seasonings, marinades, and burger blends for Memorial Day grilling. Owner Hans Hummel highlights how the products help create memorable meals while honoring those who served. The company's offerings include Buffalo Wing Marinade, Gourmet Burger Seasonings, and various dip mixes.

DAIWA releases the TATULA Elite TW100 and TATULA Elite P/F baitcasting reels featuring HYPERDRIVE DESIGN technology. The promotion offering a free DAIWA/AFTCO Hooded Performance Shirt with any TATULA rod, reel, or combo purchase closes May 31, 2026.

Waypoint TV announces Battle for Silver, a four-hour fishing programming event airing Sunday, May 17th from 8 AM to 12 PM EST. The curated block features back-to-back episodes from celebrated series including Chasin' The Sun, Local Knowledge, LBP Spotlight, Captain's Log, Goin' Coastal, and Fly Shop Tour, celebrating inshore and coastal fishing adventure.

Waypoint TV announces the premiere of The Captain's Log Season 8, featuring technique-driven fishing content across diverse fisheries. New episodes launch Saturdays at 9:30am EST on the Waypoint TV platform, available via waypointtv.com and multiple streaming services.

Rob Gee, a third-year Elite Series pro, previews the Yokohama Tire Bassmaster Elite at Santee Cooper Lakes after earning a $1,000 Yamaha Power Pay bonus for his fourth-place finish at Lake Murray. Gee discusses post-spawn patterns, expected weights, and how the prohibition of forward-facing sonar will impact tournament strategy.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department urges drivers to watch for turtles crossing roads, especially near ponds and wetlands during peak nesting season in late May and June. Biologist Luke Groff emphasizes that helping turtles cross safely—while moving them in their intended direction—protects breeding females critical to population survival.

Florida’s saltwater and freshwater fisheries have long relied on a simple social contract: anglers pay license fees, and those dollars are plowed back into conservation, boating, fishing and hunting access, law enforcement and fish and wildlife science. This spring, that compact collided with tourism economics when out-of-state anglers discovered they could no longer easily buy short-term fishing licenses online due to a scantily-announced change in the law. What followed has become a sharp debate about process, priorities, and how Florida funds the stewardship of its wild places.

At the center of the controversy is Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which administers licensing, and two camps that largely agree on the goal—adequate conservation funding—but diverge on execution.

The Tourism and Access Argument

Captain Dylan Hubbard, owner of Hubbard’s Marina in Madeira Beach and president of the Florida Guides Association, has been among the most vocal critics of the change. His complaint is straightforward: non-resident anglers can no longer buy 3-day ($17) or 7-day licenses ($30) online, forcing visitors to hunt down a tax collector’s office, DMV, or a very limited number of commercial locations. Or, alternatively, they can buy a 1-year license online for $47—plus, in saltwater, they’re required to buy the $10 snook tag and the $5 lobster tag to get the online purchase, even if they don’t intend to seek either species—62 bucks in all.

While anglers who fish in saltwater with guides or on party boats do not need an individual license because higher fees for the providers cover the license, those who fish fresh water with guides or on their own do need the license—and many are unhappy that they have to go hunting for a place where they can find the short-term licenses, sometimes many miles from where they plan to fish, or alternatively pay for the 1-year license online.

For a state that markets itself as an easy fishing destination, Hubbard argues, that friction is poison. Charter customers often arrive with tight schedules; some fly in late, others are staying on barrier islands far from government offices. When purchasing a license becomes a logistical chore, Hubbard says, tourists either cancel trips or decide not to fish at all—hurting captains, marinas, bait shops, and towns that depend on fishing tourism.

Hubbard has also criticized the way the change occurred. He contends that it was implemented quietly, without meaningful outreach to guides, retailers, or lawmakers who represent tourism-dependent districts. In his telling, the effect is not just inconvenience but coercion: push non-residents toward the pricey annual license by making short-term options hard to obtain. Whether intentional or not, he says, the result undermines Florida’s brand as a welcoming angling destination.

To press the issue, Hubbard launched a petition calling for the restoration of online sales for short-term non-resident licenses and for a public discussion before changes that ripple through the tourism economy.

The Funding Reality Argument

On the other side of the debate is a conservation-first perspective articulated by online personality Travis Thompson, who doesn’t dispute the frustration but warns against ignoring the fiscal math behind Florida’s wildlife programs.

Thompson points to recent deep discounts on lifetime hunting and fishing licenses—great public relations and a boon for families—as an example of how well-intended policies can create near-term revenue gaps. Lifetime license proceeds are placed into interest-bearing accounts, which can rival or exceed annual sales over decades, but they don’t always replace the steady cash flow that annual and short-term licenses provide year to year.

From that vantage point, short-term non-resident licenses are arguably underpriced relative to the impact and use they support. Raising those fees, Thompson argues, would be a rational way to align costs with benefits. The catch is political: license fees are set by the Legislature, not the agency. In a state where “no new taxes” rhetoric carries a lot of weight, increasing fees—even modestly—can trigger backlash.

Thompson believes agency leadership mishandled the rollout and messaging, but he also cautions against vilifying the commission itself. Florida’s wildlife agency, he notes, funds research and management across a staggering portfolio—game and nongame species, habitat restoration, prescribed fire, and enforcement—often with nation-leading results despite working in the fastest growing state. Starving that system of revenue carries its own long-term costs.

Where the Two Sides Overlap

Both sides agree that conservation must be funded. Both agree that short-term licenses may be too cheap. And both agree the current situation—reduced online access with no clear explanation—has created confusion and resentment.

Anglers and the guides want convenience restored immediately, arguing that Florida can’t afford to lose fishing tourists while a policy debate plays out. Thompson wants lawmakers to confront the funding issue honestly, raise appropriate fees, and explore other user-pay mechanisms rather than quietly shifting costs onto visitors through inconvenience.

A Path Forward

There is at least one compromise that satisfies both principles. First, restore online sales for short-term non-resident licenses immediately. Convenience is not a luxury in a tourism economy; it is infrastructure. Second, ask the Legislature to raise short-term non-resident fees to reflect true use and conservation costs, with clear messaging about where the money goes. Visitors are often willing to pay more when the purpose is transparent.

Finally, broaden the conversation. Florida should examine additional user-fee models—such as modest paddlecraft registration—that spread the conservation load more evenly across the growing number of people who enjoy public waters without currently contributing through licenses. Currently, only 10 percent of the nation has such fees—but kayaks are now everywhere in both salt and fresh water, and registration fees on them could be a major shot in the arm for FWC.  

Florida’s fisheries are a public trust and a global draw. Keeping them healthy requires both dollars and goodwill. Right now, the state risks losing a bit of both. The fix is not choosing tourism over conservation, or vice versa, but doing the hard work—publicly and collaboratively—of aligning access, price, and stewardship in a way that keeps anglers coming and the resource thriving.

– Frank Sargeant, Editor The Water Wire
Frankmako1@gmail.com