The Robert Traver Fly-Fishing Writing Award committee disqualified the originally selected 2026 winner for violating the competition's prohibition on AI-generated writing. Through multi-stage verification using Pangram AI detection, Claude Opus 5.5, and Gemini Argon 4.0, the committee identified hallmark AI patterns and discovered the author's supplemental handwritten draft was a post-hoc back-translation of the AI manuscript. The $2,500 prize was awarded to a new winner from the Honorable Mention finalists.
Low water conditions across Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, and the Missouri River are projected to cause significant boating access challenges in 2027. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department, North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and local partners are collaborating to address recreation needs, while implementing adjustments to the Missouri River System fishing tournament schedule.
Brunswick Corporation raised its full-year earnings guidance after third-quarter sales rose 6.9% to $1.45bn, with adjusted operating earnings up 37.9% to $146.7m. The company achieved year-over-year sales growth across all four reporting segments for the fifth consecutive quarter, with CEO David Foulkes crediting solid execution and margin expansion of 230 basis points.
Shimano Inc. has acquired all shares of JACKALL, the international fishing lure company, strengthening its fishing tackle portfolio. The acquisition combines Shimano's global reach with JACKALL's design-driven approach to lure development, building on their partnership that began in 2010 with the POISON rod series collaboration.
Ugly Stik pro Matt Robertson won a record $1.25 million first-place prize at World Bass Enterprises' inaugural The Champions tournament on Old Hickory Lake, defeating 61 of the world's top bass anglers. Robertson's victory demonstrates that championship-level performance doesn't require premium equipment, as he used an affordable Ugly Stik Carbon rod to secure the largest first-place payout in bass tournament history.
The Miami Beach City Commission is considering a marine protected area that would prohibit combustion engine boats from a historical tarpon fishery. ASA, CCA, and other stakeholders have formed a coalition to address concerns, with Commissioner Laura Dominguez expressing openness to compromises balancing swimmer safety and recreational angling.
CCA Florida and the University of Central Florida are hosting oyster-ring-making events on November 8, 15, and December 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will create oyster rings to restore damaged reefs in the Mosquito Lagoon, with volunteers aged 18+ welcome to join at UCF Biology Field Research Center.
Christopher Stefanou, known as "LI Sharkman," was indicted on animal cruelty and fishing-law violations for allegedly capturing a tagged great white shark named "Aaron" off Cape Cod in October 2025. The incident involved using a drone to deploy bait and bringing the shark onto a beach for photographs before releasing it. Stefanou's defense maintains the shark was safely released and denies intentional pursuit of the protected species.
Bass Pro Shops will celebrate its grand opening in Victor, New York on November 12 with an Evening for Conservation featuring celebrities including Jimmy Houston, Kevin VanDam, Bob Izumi, and George Poveromo. The company will donate 15% of sales to local conservation organizations, and the 90,000-square-foot retail destination will offer fishing, hunting products, and a 10,000-gallon aquarium.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's TrophyCatch program is recognizing the top eight bass of the past season at a Hall of Fame Ceremony on November 7 in Gainesville. The event celebrates anglers who caught and released Florida bass weighing 13 pounds or more and will feature updates on Season 15 of the popular program.
Bass Pro Shops will celebrate its new 200,000-square-foot Sayreville, New Jersey location on November 11 with an Evening for Conservation featuring live entertainment, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and celebrity appearances from Martin Truex Jr., Ott DeFoe, Jimmy Houston, George Poveromo, Brian "Pigman" Quaca, Junie Quaca, and Rick Clunn. The destination includes an 80,000-gallon Shipwreck Aquarium, The Flemish Cap restaurant, and will donate 15% of sales to local conservation organizations.
The Pigfish Seafood Cook Team won the Alabama Wildlife Federation Gulf Coast Wild Game Cook-Off with their Cajun Shrimp Soup made from leftover shrimp boil ingredients. Selena and Matthew Rowe's dish was crowned champion in the Fish Division and selected as overall winner among 30-plus competing teams.
A Mississippi State University study analyzing 987 fish descents in the Gulf of Mexico found sharks attacked fish on descender devices only 0.3 percent of the time, with just three confirmed incidents involving red snapper off Venice, Louisiana. The research, led by Amanda E. Jargowsky and published in the North American Journal of Fisheries Management, suggests descending devices remain an effective conservation tool despite growing shark depredation concerns among Gulf anglers.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife christened its new research vessel, the R/V Walleye, on October 30 in Sandusky. The 55-foot aluminum-hull boat, constructed by Andersen Boat Works, replaces the aging R/V Explorer and will enhance fisheries surveys in Lake Erie's western basin.
The Gulf Council modified post-season accountability measures for private recreational red snapper to provide more flexibility while maintaining state management effectiveness. Payback triggers now require overage exceeding 10%, multiple overages within three years, or any overage when total private recreational landings exceed the ACL.
The Gulf Council finalized amendments to modify mutton snapper and yellowtail snapper management measures based on 2023 stock assessments indicating healthy stocks. Updated catch limits and apportionments of 15% mutton snapper and 17% yellowtail snapper annual catch limits to the Gulf are recommended, with no expected fishery closures.
TWRA shared an early look at the upcoming Tennessee Trout Management Plan at its October Commission Meeting. Trout anglers can participate through an online poll, while stakeholder and technical advisory committees will collaboratively develop the plan for launch in 2028.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is scoping regulatory changes on nine fishing-related topics including blue crabs, eels, commercial and recreational gear rules, penalties, electronic harvest reporting, scientific collection permits, shellfish aquaculture, spiny dogfish, and white perch management. Comments must be submitted by November 13, 2026.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) invites the public to a virtual town hall on November 10 to discuss 2026-27 coastal steelhead season planning. Regional fish program manager Chad Herring will present escapement data, forecasts, and proposed regulations while gathering public feedback on sustainable fishing opportunities.
NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on a proposed four-year cooperative research project using experienced Gulf of America fishermen to locate and study spawning aggregations of federally managed groupers, snappers, triggerfish, jacks, mackerels and cobia. The project would involve approximately 120 sampling trips conducted by trained commercial and charter fishing captains working with fisheries scientists to improve fisheries management.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources urges anglers to continue declaring bottom-fishing trips and reporting red snapper releases via VESL through November to improve fishery management. The 14-day October season operated under a NOAA Fisheries Exempted Fishing Permit, and continued data submissions may support supplemental harvest days and weekly prizes from Shimano.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission used its new Aquatic Habitat Barge to sink approximately 150 cedar and Russian olive trees at Bridgeport State Recreation Area lakes in September, creating woody habitat that enhances fish populations and provides improved fishing opportunities for anglers.
California's recreational Dungeness crab season opens Nov. 7, 2026, with trap restrictions through Jan. 1 due to humpback whale entanglements. The commercial season is delayed statewide, and recreational fishing is closed north of Fort Bragg due to domoic acid toxin. CDFW Director Meghan Hertel will reassess conditions in mid-December.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks proposes developing a 17-acre fishing access site on BLM land near Terry to enhance public recreation access along the lower Yellowstone River. The project, supported by Prairie County residents and aligned with Governor Greg Gianforte's access initiative, includes an improved road, parking area, and boat ramp, with construction tentatively scheduled for late summer or fall 2027.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) closed recreational harvest of spotted seatrout in the Indian River management region on November 1, while leaving it open in other regions. The FWC uses regional management metrics to evaluate and respond to local fishery concerns.
Alabama's Marine Resources Division announces the oyster season opening November 2, 2026, with limited harvest in Cedar Point East, Cedar Point West, and Heron Bay grids Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Low oyster populations continue due to drought, flooding, and extreme heat since the early 2000s.
The New York DEC is seeking public feedback on proposed regulations to protect Adirondack brook trout populations. Changes include prohibiting live baitfish use in most Adirondack waters and eliminating special brook trout pond regulations in favor of statewide management. Comments are accepted through December 28, 2026.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Future Fisheries Citizen Review Panel is seeking a licensed angler resident to fill a two-year volunteer position. The 14-member panel meets twice yearly to review proposals for the Future Fisheries Improvement Program, which distributes approximately $1 million annually for wild fish habitat restoration projects.
Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding at Arizona Game and Fish Department hatcheries, with the Tonto Creek Hatchery sustaining the worst damage to buildings and roads. Four other state hatcheries were also impacted, though fish raceways remain intact and stockings continue unaffected.
Anglers can purchase Rogue-South Coast Steelhead validation and wild steelhead harvest tags starting Nov. 1 through ODFW's Electronic Licensing System for the Dec. 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027 season. The validation is required for all winter steelhead anglers in these areas, with separate harvest tags needed to keep wild winter steelhead.
During fall migration, Chinook and coho salmon from Lake Ontario undergo rapid physiological changes, developing a zombie-like appearance as they stop feeding and their bodies deteriorate. Tributary fishing for these salmon runs from early September through early November, with anglers able to catch them on eggs or egg-shaped lures despite their non-feeding state.
Bassmaster Elite Champion Pat Schlapper shares his favorite rod selections for six bass-fishing presentations, including bladed jigs, hard jerkbaits, punching, and walking topwater baits, recommending specific St. Croix models and line choices for each technique.
Z-Man has released the ZWG Gaff Worm Hook, a hybrid weedless hook combining offset and straight-shank elements with an outward-angled point for improved penetration. The hook features a conical molded keeper to secure soft plastics and is available in 3/0, 4/0, and 5/0 sizes at $6.99 per four-pack.
AFTCO offers a comprehensive guide to fishing gloves, covering sun protection, cold weather, jigging, and saltwater options including Wire Max Gloves, Release Gloves, Utility Gloves, and Short Pump Gloves designed for various fishing conditions and techniques.
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), a science-based conservation organization, is hiring a Senior Development Officer in Florida to lead major and principal gift fundraising efforts. The hybrid position requires five years of progressive fundraising experience and a proven record of securing gifts of $100,000 or more. Applications close November 20, 2026.
NEBO introduces the LARRY® DUO 2-In-1 Task Light + Flashlight, combining a 1,500-lumen spotlight with a 1,000-lumen COB work light in a rechargeable, compact design. Featuring magnetic base mounting, IPX7 waterproof rating, and multiple hands-free carry options, the LARRY DUO is priced at $39.99 and designed for tradespeople, technicians, and DIY enthusiasts.
EGO Fishing launched its Big Game Series landing nets in XL, 2XL, and 3XL sizes designed to help exhausted trophy trout, salmon, walleyes, catfish, and muskies recover safely. Founder Grant Corbett emphasizes that proper landing and release techniques using supportive nets are critical for fish survival after intense fights.
Fenwick introduces 18 new technique-specific rod models across its Eagle, HMG, and Elite lineups for bass and walleye anglers. The expansion includes seven Eagle models, six HMG models, and five Elite series rods, each engineered with specialized actions and premium components tailored to various fishing techniques and applications.
Ugly Stik introduces three new Dock Runner fishing combos: the Camo with Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern, the Pro with an upgraded GX2 reel, and the Saltwater model designed for coastal applications. All feature the signature 36-inch Ugly Stik rod with Ugly Tech construction and Clear Tip design.
Millennium Marine introduces the Spyderlok R300 Rod Transport Rack, an anodized aluminum transport system that securely holds up to eight rods using patented Spyderlok technology. The rack features adjustable height from 24 to 31 inches and includes a 1-year warranty for anglers seeking organized rod storage.
Minn Kota unveiled a new generation of trolling motor upgrades featuring enhanced wireless integration with fish finders, improved Spot-Lock for precise boat positioning, and instant-response steering for compatible electric-steer brushless motors, designed to give anglers greater control and efficiency on the water.
Mercury Marine announces its Repower & Save Event, a limited-time promotion running through December 15, 2026, offering boaters promotional financing as low as 3.99% for 36 months through Sheffield Financial when purchasing qualifying 30 hp to 425 hp Mercury FourStroke outboards for repower applications.
Brunswick Corporation extended its sponsorship agreement with Major League Fishing for three years, continuing Mercury Marine® and Lowrance® visibility across MLF's Bass Pro Tour, Starlink Team Series, and Kubota Heavy Hitters. The partnership, which began in 2011, reinforces both brands' commitment to competitive fishing and product innovation.
"The Realtree Channel" returns to MyOutdoorTV throughout November, featuring shows from Bill Jordan, Tyler Jordan, and David Blanton. The ad-free channel includes Realtree Outdoors, Realtree Road Trips, Monster Bucks, and Black Cloud Duck Hunting as Team Realtree celebrates its 40th Anniversary.
B.A.S.S. unveiled the 2027 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series schedule featuring seven regular-season tournaments across diverse fisheries including Santee Cooper Lakes, Lake Lanier, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Clear Lake, Table Rock Lake, the James River, and Lake Champlain, with a championship event to be announced later.
Nearly 400 bass anglers will compete in the 2026 Toyota Series Championship at Pickwick Lake November 5-7, with a top prize of up to $235,000 and REDCREST 2027 qualification. The event, hosted by Explore Pickwick Lake and Bill Dance Signature Lakes, marks the final championship featuring co-anglers and the three-hour forward-facing sonar format.
Port Aransas, Texas will host the 2026 Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter November 6-8. The tournament features a 10-boat field including redfish pros and Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series anglers like Easton Fothergill, Justin Atkins, Brandon Palaniuk, and Justin Hamner competing in catch-weigh-release format with a $75,000 top prize.
Matt Robertson won the inaugural World Bass Enterprises The Champions tournament with a final catch of 20 pounds, 2 ounces, earning a record $1.25 million first-place prize. Robertson's Cumberland River smallmouth pattern below Old Hickory Dam proved dominant throughout the event. Pake South finished second with $500,000, while Wesley Strader placed third with $300,000.
The National Professional Fishing League has scheduled its 2027 Championship and five regular season tournament events, with the championship at Lake Mitchell, Alabama on March 4-6. NPFL President Brad Fuller stated the schedule aims to place anglers on quality fisheries in outstanding communities. Anglers must complete applications by November 13 to compete in the season featuring six regular season events across Alabama, Arkansas, South Carolina, New York, and one undetermined location.
Invasive New Zealand mudsnails have been found in Bear Creek in Kent County, marking the first detection in southern Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The Coldwater River Watershed Council discovered the snails during routine monitoring, with verification from Oakland University and Trout Unlimited. Michigan's Invasive Species Program is conducting additional sampling and working with local organizations to prevent further spread.
November marks Manatee Awareness Month as Florida's manatees migrate to warmer waters. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) urges boaters to reduce speed, watch for manatees, and respect manatee protection zones to prevent collisions and support conservation efforts.
Judges of The Traver Award, one of fly fishing’s most prestigious writing contests, were duped by A.I. this year.
You sort of have to wonder if Ernest Hemingway could win a “Write Like Hemingway” writing contest today in the age of A.I.
One of the bastions of literary writing about fishing, the Traver Award, has just announced it was duped this year by a Romanian participant who submitted a story that was largely penned by artificial intelligence.
While just about everybody is using some form of A.I. today in their daily lives—even if they don’t even know it—using it in a word-smithing contest is definitely foul play. The winner was disqualified, and the runner up was named this year’s winner.
The guy who used A.I. was able to fool a panel of judges made up of past winners of the award as well as several English professors.
(Full disclosure, as a past winner I was one of the judges, but the bogus story was not among those that I judged, so there .)
Here’s what David Van Wie, a lecturer at Dartmouth and avid fly angler who volunteers a whole lot of his time each year to manage the contest, wrote to us explaining the deception:
“I wish I could put a more positive spin on this news, but sadly we have learned a difficult lesson in how AI demons can haunt an honest and earnest writing contest like ours.
“The best news that we have a new winner: Steve Duda and his story “The Goddess of Compassion, Holding Open the Door” has been chosen our new and rightful 2026 winner. This decision came after we discovered (ourselves) that our previous winner was- in the judgement of Pangram, Claude Opus 5.5, Gemini Argon 4.0 and various humans, including a native Romanian speaker- likely 100% AI-generated.
A.I. is everywhere, including in this ChatGPT generated artwork—and it’s getting better by the day.
“Because no AI detection can be 100% certain, we followed a judicious protocol of asking the entrant to provide further background information on the story and evidence of earlier drafts or other materials to corroborate the story as human-generated. Incredibly, the response was AI-generated and the material provided was AI-fabricated. We decided to disqualify the entry and choose a new winner.
“This experience has shown us first-hand that we now live in a Brave New World of international scammers who crawl the web looking for paid awards and contests, and submit what are called “prompt-entries” that may contain true personal stories or clever plot outlines with lots of intriguing details and cultural references, but the writing is done by AI, or heavily assisted by AI, as in “read my story outline/draft and the details provided, and write me a story in a style similar to Cormac McCarthy and Ernest Hemingway that addresses the criteria of the Robert Traver award…. Etc.”
“The winning story, now DQ’d story got high praise by our Traver judges in all three levels of judging. A few of us who spotted some story glitches or technical inaccuracies generally forgave them because the overall story was so compelling and different. That is exactly what our perpetrator intended.
The AI detectors spotted a number of other classic AI errors, hallucinations or “botshit” that we might have spotted had we more experience, or were we not mesmerized by the “stunning” writing (thanks to likely copyright infringement in AI training). This isn’t easy. And, truthfully, it was a very good story… just not written entirely by a human doing the hard work of wordsmithing and editing.
“So – we will learn from this.
“We will re-evaluate our AI policy for 2027. . . . hopefully we can keep pace in the AI arms race of cheaters and detectors.”
The creative genres are at least as susceptible to A.I. replacement as the sciences as we enter a brave new world of machine learning—and fishing art is easily produced by computer generation.
The whole thing gives a sinking feeling for writers and editors that creative writing as a profession is over. I’d guess outdoor writing is headed for the same cliff. Maybe journalism in general.
Talking heads on TV news? A.I. can do it almost perfectly now, and in a year or two they will be better than humans.
Likely the same for movies. A Tom Cruise that never ages. A Sydney Sweeney whose figure never changes. An Arnold Swarzenegger whose muscles never sag.
