Huk introduces spring fishing and beach wear including the Men's Watershed Hooded Sweatshirt with Dricomfort® technology, Men's Camp Shirt, Women's Sunup Long Sleeve Crew, Women's Embark Skort, and Women's Sandbar Dress, all featuring UPF protection and performance fabrics.

Whitewater Fishing presents a comprehensive layering system for spring anglers, featuring the Thermoclyne Hooded Jacket, Thermoclyne Vest, Torque Heat Fishing Vest, and specialized gloves to combat unpredictable weather while maintaining casting performance and comfort.

Whitewater Fishing's Tamer™ Softshell Jacket and Bib feature proprietary high-density polyester stretch fabric with grid fleece lining, designed for spring and summer transitional weather. The suit includes safety features like reflective tape and D-rings, with an MSRP of $219.99, and is endorsed by professional anglers Jay and Jason Przekurat.

Senators Dan Sullivan and Maria Cantwell introduced S.4250 to reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, a user-pay program generating over $750 million annually for conservation and boating infrastructure across all 50 states. The National Marine Manufacturers Association applauds the bipartisan effort to extend this critical program supporting America's recreational boating industry.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will host the 15th annual Boating Education Lagniappe Day on April 25 at nine locations across the state, offering free NASBLA boating education courses, certification, and lunch. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Agents Association and business partners including The Boat Shop, Ludwig Marine, Cabela's, and others sponsor the event.

Zach Hutcheson has assumed the CEO role at Correct Craft, succeeding Bill Yeargin who led the company for 20 years. Hutcheson, previously the chief financial officer, will lead the company following a planned succession process.

The U.S. Navy awarded Sharrow Engineering a Phase I SBIR contract to co-develop an advanced propeller for the Mark-54 Lightweight Torpedo with Materials Sciences LLC. The patented closed-loop-blade technology aims to enhance propulsion efficiency, reduce acoustic signature, and improve hydrodynamic stability for undersea operations.

Wildlife Forever, Major League Fishing, and Bass Pro Shops Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium are hosting the REDCREST Fish Art Contest, a free youth art competition for grades K–12 during the REDCREST World Championship and Outdoor Sports Expo in Springfield, Missouri, April 17–19. Winners will receive fishing equipment and prize packages.

The City of Fairhope celebrated the completion of the Fairhope Working Waterfront and Greenspace Project, which restored the Fairhope Pier, South Beach Park, Rose Garden, and fountain with $11.015 million in funding from RESTORE grants and local contributions. The project, led by Mayor Sherry Sullivan and Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship, earned a Bronze Award in the 2025 Brick in Architecture Awards.

One year after the Upper Barataria Marsh Creation Project created 1,170 acres of wetland habitat in Louisiana's Barataria Basin, key species like shrimp, crab, and red drum are returning. The effort, led by the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group and contractors from Weeks Marine, addresses land loss while supporting local economies and vital fisheries monitored by The Water Institute and Nicholls State University.

Eight bipartisan senators led by Dan Sullivan and Maria Cantwell introduced bill S. 4250 to reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund through 2031. ASA President Glenn Hughes emphasized the program's 76-year track record of supporting state fisheries management and public access through federal excise taxes on fishing equipment.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a free pond management workshop on April 14 at MDC's Ozark Regional Office in West Plains. Topics include pond site selection, construction, stocking, fisheries management, aquatic vegetation management, watershed management, and nuisance wildlife control.

New Jersey is offering two fly fishing workshops on April 19: Fly Fishing 101 at Pequest Trout Hatchery for ages 12+ and Intro to Saltwater Fly Fishing at Island Beach State Park for ages 18+ in partnership with Atlantic Saltwater Flyrodders. Applications deadline is April 9.

The West Palm Beach Fishing Club's annual Marine Yard Sale on April 11th offers free admission and features used fishing equipment, marine hardware, and nautical items. Proceeds support the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation's youth education and marine conservation efforts.

Maryland's 2026 recreational striped bass season begins April 1, returning catch-and-release fishing in April for the first time since 2019. The new regulations include a summer closure during August and harvest periods from May-July and September-December. Spawning rivers remain closed March 1-May 31 to protect breeding striped bass.

Red drum in North Carolina's coastal sounds demonstrate site fidelity, returning to the same estuarine areas year after year. Fish navigate using Earth's magnetic field, olfactory imprinting, and learned environmental maps. Understanding these mechanisms helps fisheries managers protect habitats and sustain local populations.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife announced 2026 Lake Erie walleye and yellow perch daily harvest limits, which remain unchanged from previous seasons. Anglers can expect world-class walleye fishing with abundant populations from recent large hatches, while yellow perch fishing will be best in the west zone during summer months.

NOAA Fisheries seeks public comments on Amendment 62 to modify Gulf red grouper management measures, including revised status determination criteria, overfishing limits, and sector allocations based on Florida State Reef Fish Survey data. The comment period runs through June 1, 2026.

The Maine Department of Marine Resources is conducting a confidential survey to characterize recreational shark fishing in Maine. The survey, closing May 1, 2026, will help DMR develop outreach and identify areas for future meetings and collaborative research with the recreational shark fishing community.

Nick LeBrun, a Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour competitor from Bossier City, Louisiana, credits his success to Yamaha outboards and the Yamaha Power Pay contingency program. Rising from blue-collar roots to compete professionally, LeBrun emphasizes the reliability of his Yamaha engine and how the Power Pay program rewards loyalty and performance.

Vermont's trout fishing season opens April 11. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department advises anglers to adjust tactics based on conditions, focus on low-elevation streams, and use larger baits or visible flies. State Fisheries Biologist Shawn Good recommends checking the department's Trout Stocking page for updated information.

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved spring Chinook seasons opening April 25 in eight river systems including the Snake River, Lower Salmon River, and Clearwater River tributaries. Bag limits and fishing days vary by river section, with preseason forecasts projecting sufficient hatchery salmon for sport fisheries.

Spring is prime time to catch trophy-sized bass in Idaho as they move to shallow waters to spawn. Martin Koenig, Fish and Game's Sportfish Program Coordinator, explains that bass are most catchable in the mid-50 degree water temperature range, with optimal spawning occurring around 60 degrees. The article provides guidance on targeting both largemouth and smallmouth bass across Idaho's diverse fisheries.

Outdoor Sportsman Group announced GAME & FISH TV's launch on The Roku Channel, expanding reach to 90 million streaming households. The fastest-growing FAST channel now reaches over 430 million monthly active users across multiple platforms including VIZIO, Amazon Fire, Samsung TV Plus, and Prime Video.

Yamaha Marine expands its Blue Life series with a feature on Untamed Angling®, an expedition-based fishing company founded by Rodrigo Salles and Marcelo Perez that promotes sustainable tourism in the Amazon through partnerships with indigenous communities, impacting approximately 5,000 people across 56 villages.

Rapala has launched the Salted NedRoll, a new soft plastic bait developed with pro angler Jacob Wheeler's CrushCity® line. The 3.25-inch bait features added salt and scent for neutral buoyancy, making it ideal for ned rigging and drop shot techniques targeting bass.

DAIWA USA introduced new 3-, 4-, and 5-inch Tournament D-FIN swimbaits in 2026, expanding the popular series beyond its original 6-inch size. The downsized profiles feature the same exceptional paddletail action, straight tracking, and salt-infused squid scent formula, now targeting freshwater species like walleyes and crappies, plus saltwater redfish and speckled trout.

Plano announces the GoNow storage system, featuring Small and Large boxes with weather-resistant construction and modular accessories for hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The system addresses gear organization barriers, with research showing 85% of outdoor enthusiasts say dedicated gear space helps them get outside faster.

13 Fishing, based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, has expanded its Oath Series fishing rod lineup with four new models: Jigging Rap Spinning, Shaker Spinning, Ultra Finesse Spinning, and Spinning. Developed in partnership with jigging expert Duane Hjelm, these tournament-level rods feature high-quality components and are priced at $99.99 each.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and NOAA Fisheries are seeking a contractor to plan and execute the 2027 National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Summit in Alexandria, VA. Proposals are due by May 1, 2026, and should be submitted to Alex DiJohnson.

Academy Sports + Outdoors and professional angler Jacob Wheeler celebrate a decade-long partnership marked by performance-driven innovation and community impact. The collaboration expands the Magellan Outdoors Pro by Jacob Wheeler apparel line with new colors, designs, and an all-new ventilated hoodie featuring moisture-wicking technology.

A mural featuring legendary fly-fishing pioneer Dave Whitlock was unveiled March 26 in Bull Shoals, Arkansas. Artist Duane Hada created the artwork on the west side of Wishes & Fishes Fly Shop, funded by donations from fly-fishing groups and individuals honoring Whitlock's contributions to the sport.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit promoted Jason Berry to Director of Marine Service, where he will oversee all U.S. service operations including call centers, field service, warranty, and training. Berry, a Yamaha team member since 2005, previously served as Customer Experience Division Manager and reports to General Manager Joe Maniscalco.

World Fishing Network launches "Reeling Around Wednesdays" programming block featuring legendary anglers including Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston, and Jon Thelen. The weekly lineup showcases fishing techniques, destinations, and species across freshwater and saltwater environments, with content available on MyOutdoorTV streaming service.

The Green Way Outdoors Season 6 premieres on Waypoint TV, featuring hosts Kyle Green and Jeff Hutchinson in conservation-focused hunting and fishing adventures. The series partners with Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club International, and The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's Outdoor Fund.

Outdoor Channel launches the "Wednesday Night Magazines" block featuring iconic Outdoor Sportsman Group programs including In-Fisherman TV hosted by Doug Stange, North American Whitetail TV, Bowhunter TV hosted by Curt Wells, Guns & Ammo TV, and Handguns TV, airing Wednesday evenings with hunting, fishing, and shooting content.

Abu Garcia and Fenwick pro Pake South won his second Bassmaster Open of 2026 at Lake Eufaula with 84 pounds, 1 ounce, winning by over 10 pounds. South targeted post-spawn largemouth in 6-12 feet of water using Berkley Lab Series Minnows and urchin-style baits on Fenwick World Class rods and Abu Garcia Zenon X reels.

The Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament returns to Lake Guntersville October 17-18, 2026, featuring a $15,000 first-place prize and a 2026 Toyota Tundra giveaway for all registered anglers. This no-entry fee amateur team tournament is hosted out of Goose Pond Colony Resort with B.A.S.S. conducting the event.

Major League Fishing's world championship will take place April 17-19 at Table Rock Lake near Springfield, Missouri, featuring the top 35 pro anglers competing for a $300,000 grand prize. The event includes a free MLF Outdoor Sports Expo at Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters with live seminars, pro anglers, and special guests. Table Rock's diverse fishery with all three black bass species makes it ideal for the Bass Pro Tour's every-fish-counts format.

Monroe, Michigan will host the 2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's National Walleye Tour season opener presented by Progressive on April 9-10 at Sterling State Park on Lake Erie. Hosted in partnership with Explore Monroe, the tournament showcases competitive walleye fishing on one of the nation's top fisheries, with daily takeoffs at 7:30 a.m. and weigh-ins at 3:30 p.m.

When the federal government draws a box around a chunk of ocean and labels it a marine monument, the idea is pretty simple: fishing pressure comes off, ecosystems get a breather, and science—not short-term economics—calls the shots.

So when that box gets opened again, as it just did at the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument after nearly a decade of closure, it’s fair to ask what happens next. Specifically, what does renewed commercial fishing mean for a deep-water ecosystem that’s had a long breather?

The monument sits about 130 miles offshore from Cape Cod—too far out for most recreational angler to reach, but well within range of modern commercial boats. It’s also enormous, more than 4,000 square miles, roughly the size of Connecticut. Even some supporters will admit that’s a lot of ocean to lock up.

The case for reopening it is pretty straightforward. The canyons and seamounts here are biologically rich places, fueled by cold-water upwellings that stack plankton, baitfish, and migratory predators. Depths range from around 650 feet to well over 12,000. Squid, mackerel, deep-sea red crab, tuna, and swordfish already support major Atlantic fisheries nearby. Letting boats work proven ground again can mean shorter runs, lower fuel bills, and more efficient trips. For commercial fishermen dealing with rising costs, tight margins, and stiff global competition, those aren’t abstract benefits—they’re immediate.

There’s also a philosophical argument at play. U.S. fisheries are among the most tightly regulated in the world, with quotas, observers, vessel tracking, and stock assessments built into everyday operations. If anyone can fish carefully in sensitive areas, the argument goes, it’s American fishermen. Some also point out that closing productive waters here can just shift environmental impacts elsewhere, increasing reliance on imported seafood from countries with far weaker oversight. Many domestic fishermen are already getting squeezed by cheap, farm-raised imports.

But the pushback is just as real—and it’s rooted more in ecology than politics.

Marine reserves like the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts were created because deep-sea habitats are fragile, slow to recover, and still poorly understood. Cold-water corals can take centuries to grow. Seamounts work differently than shallow continental shelves, acting like biological magnets for species that may already be under pressure elsewhere. The value of these places isn’t just what you can catch there—it’s what they safeguard by staying largely untouched.

In that sense, reserves aren’t about maximizing yield. They’re about resilience. They function as control sites, letting scientists see what a system looks like without fishing pressure. Over time, they may also help replenish nearby fishing grounds through larval drift and adult movement. Those benefits are slow, hard to measure, and easy to dismiss when political timelines run in two- or four-year increments.

There’s also a practical risk factor. Opening a reserve is rarely a clean on-off switch. Once access comes back, pressure builds to keep it open. Policing far-off offshore waters is expensive and inconsistent, and monitoring damage to deep-sea habitats is notoriously tough. If harm does occur, there’s a good chance it won’t be fixable on any human timeline.

That doesn’t mean marine reserves should be permanent, untouchable no-fishing zones. Adaptive management matters. If solid science shows certain gear types or seasons pose minimal risk, limited access can make sense. It’s not unlike managed hunting on land, where wildlife populations can thrive under tightly controlled harvests and carefully set seasons.

What’s missing right now is a clear, transparent way to judge whether reopening works or fails. What indicators will be tracked? What lines trigger new restrictions if impacts show up? How do managers account for effort shifting into the area from somewhere else? Does the current administration care about or understand the value of preserves?

At its core, this debate is about time horizons. Commercial fishing operates on seasons, markets, and fuel prices. Ecosystems operate on decades and centuries. The challenge isn’t choosing one over the other—it’s figuring out where restraint today preserves opportunity tomorrow.

Opening a reserve can deliver real, near-term economic relief. Keeping one closed can deliver something quieter but just as important: stability in deep-ocean systems at a time when the ocean is changing faster than our management tools were designed to handle. However it plays out, this is one decision worth watching closely by anyone who cares about deep sea ecosystems.

– Frank Sargeant
Frankmako1@gmail.com