Whitewater Fishing launches its Spring 2026 logowear collection, blending retro maritime silhouettes with modern fabrics in coastal and cabin-inspired color palettes. The collection features classic rope-hat designs and heritage camouflage patterns, available now at select retailers and WhitewaterFish.com.
Mercury Marine provides guidance on optimizing boat fuel economy through proper propeller selection, monitoring fuel flow with SmartCraft gauges and VesselView displays, using Active Trim for automatic engine trimming, and reducing unnecessary weight onboard.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is launching a statewide life jacket exchange program with events throughout May and June at various locations including Lake Havasu City, Parker, and Lake Pleasant. Participants can swap worn or ineffective life jackets for new ones while supplies last.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are partnering with ACA Alabama, Montgomery Whitewater, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to offer affordable Kayaking 101 classes on May 16 at Montgomery Whitewater, launching National Safe Boating Week across eight states.
US boat retailer West Marine, controlled by Oaktree Capital Management and L Catterton, is reportedly preparing for potential Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure debt and close multiple locations. The Fort Lauderdale-based company operates over 230 North American stores and plans to shift toward an omnichannel retail model.
The American Sportfishing Association is launching the Million Pound Challenge, a member-led initiative to remove 1,000,000 pounds of trash from U.S. waterways during National Fishing & Boating Week and throughout summer. Participants can organize local cleanups, rally community partners, and track progress through ASA's dedicated campaign hub.
Major League Fishing's Fisheries Management Division completed a collaborative habitat restoration project at Lake Brownwood with support from Berkley Labs and Kubota USA. The initiative installed MossBack Fish Habitat Tournament Recovery Zones and engaged student volunteers from Tarleton State University's American Fisheries Society chapter to enhance fish habitat and support long-term fishery health.
Yamaha Rightwaters and Georgia Southern University, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division, released findings demonstrating that restored oyster reefs significantly enhance salt marsh growth and shoreline stability along the Georgia coast. The 19-month study showed restored sites outperformed control areas, with marsh expansion averaging 47 square meters and shoreline migration exceeding 1.4 meters seaward.
The Coastal Conservation Association of California launched the "Help the Kelp" campaign to raise awareness about invasive Sargassum horneri, known as "Devil Weed," which threatens native kelp beds along Southern California's coast. CCA CAL president Doug Lasko and habitat committee chair Luke Burson encourage anglers, divers, and boaters to identify, report, and avoid disturbing the invasive seaweed.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host a public meeting on May 11 at Billings Public Library to gather input on 41 preliminary fishing regulation proposals for 2027–2028. Region 5 Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Gagnon will attend, and comments can be submitted online or by mail until May 31.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources partnered with the Michigan Muskie Alliance, Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System, and Grand Valley State University to track 20 Great Lakes strain muskellunge in Lake Macatawa using acoustic telemetry tags. Data shows tagged fish traveling to Chicago, Grand Haven, Saugatuck, and Green Bay, revealing surprising long-distance movements over seven years.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced that walleye and musky season will proceed as normal after a federal court issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians from restricting non-tribal fishing on nineteen reservation lakes.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public input on 41 preliminary fishing regulation proposals for 2027–2028 at a public meeting in Miles City on May 7. The meeting will be held at FWP regional headquarters beginning at 6 p.m., with virtual options available May 26.
The DEC collects information on dead sharks and sturgeon that wash ashore to identify causes of mortality. Biological samples are shared with academic and scientific researchers to facilitate studies that inform fisheries management. Report deceased sharks or sturgeon to the DEC's Marine Life Incident Report survey or by phone.
President Trump approved exempted fishing permits for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina to advance state-led red snapper management. Florida will implement a 39-day season, while Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina will coordinate a 62-day season using a Yamaha-funded app for catch reporting.
President Trump approved Exempted Fishing Permit proposals for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina to expand Atlantic red snapper seasons in 2026. The American Sportfishing Association praised the decision, noting it allows meaningful data collection and reasonable recreational harvest opportunities after years of frustration with extremely short federal seasons.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is launching a pilot research program paying recreational anglers up to $1,500 to record fishing trips using onboard cameras in the Tampa Bay region. The program aims to collect data on caught and released reef fish while evaluating camera systems for fisheries research.
Michigan's Department of Natural Resources is beginning its spring fish stocking season, with 18 specialized trucks traveling over 100,000 miles to stock more than 1,000 locations from mid-March through early June. The DNR will stock more than 20 million fish including trout, salmon, muskie, and walleye from six production facilities. DNR fish marking and stocking biologist Jeremiah Blaauw explains that stocking supplements natural reproduction when habitat limitations and angling pressure prevent wild populations from maintaining desired levels.
A 30-year study led by Dr. Barbara Block from Stanford University, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, demonstrates that conservation measures in the western Atlantic have created a vital refuge for bluefin tuna. Electronic tagging data and catch analysis show that lower fishing mortality in western waters allows eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna to migrate, forage, and recover, contributing to overall stock rebuilding.
Starting this year, paddlefish anglers in Montana have new tagging options including paper tags and e-tags that mirror big game tag requirements. Anglers must complete tagging before removing the fish from the harvest site, with mandatory reporting varying by tag area through phone hotline, myfwp.mt.gov, or onsite check stations.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources research vessel RV Lake Char will launch spring surveys from Marquette to conduct essential lake trout research across Lake Superior's nearshore areas. Led by fisheries research biologist Shawn Sitar, the surveys collect critical data informing fisheries management decisions and supporting the long-term sustainability of the region's fish populations.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources received NOAA approval for an Exempted Fishing Permit to pilot a state-based recreational red snapper data collection program, working cooperatively with North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to improve fisheries management decisions.
The Gulf Council is seeking input from fishermen and constituents about ecosystem issues affecting Gulf fisheries, including environmental problems, habitat concerns, and species interactions. Responses submitted through the Fisherman Feedback Tool will inform the development of the Gulf Fishery Ecosystem Plan by the May 31, 2026 deadline.
MyOutdoorTV launches The Bass Channel Featuring Major League Fishing, a 24/7 streaming destination for bass fishing content. The channel features pro anglers including Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston, Kevin VanDam, Mark Zona, and JT Kenney, along with Major League Fishing coverage from the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and MLF Bass Pro Tour.
The Missouri Department of Conservation invites children ages 15 and younger to participate in a free fishing day at Blind Pony Hatchery Conservation Area on May 9 from 8:30-11 a.m. Participants will enjoy fishing in stocked ponds, a paddlefish touch tank, lunch, and door prizes with no permit required.
Nebraska's Free Fishing and Park Entry Day on May 16 allows visitors to explore state parks and fish without permits. Family-friendly activities are scheduled across multiple parks including Schramm Park State Recreation Area, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park, Ponca State Park, and others.
Pro walleye angler Dylan Nussbaum climbed from 40th place to second place at the National Walleye Tour season opener on Lake Erie, earning $21,000 with a Day 2 surge powered by Z-Man® ElaZtech® baits, including the Scented Jerk ShadZ and Fuzzy BugZ.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and The James Foundation are hosting a free Kids' Fishing Day on May 16 at Maramec Spring Park in St. James, Missouri. Children 15 and under can enjoy free trout fishing, live birds of prey from the World Bird Sanctuary, archery, and prizes including a 30-inch brown trout carving by Duane Doty of Ozark Trout Runners and painted by Mario Lozina of LOZ Lures.
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies applauds the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's distribution of over $57 million through the State Wildlife Grants Program to support state conservation efforts. Funding supports habitat restoration and species management, with recent successes including Boreal Toad conservation in Utah and Guadalupe Bass restoration in Texas.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department increased Local Sportsmen's Group grant funding to $100,000, a $25,000 boost since 2007. Doug Burt, AZGFD's R3 program manager, noted the increase addresses inflation and rising event costs. Applications are due June 14, 2026.
DAIWA introduces the SEABORG™ 500J power-assist reel, featuring a compact 500-size frame with 166 lbs. of momentary winding power for deep-drop angling. The reel combines the MAG MAX G brushed motor with palmable design, allowing anglers to maintain rod-in-hand fishing while targeting deep-water species like grouper and snapper.
Daiwa introduces the 2026 Certate HD spinning reel, engineered for extreme saltwater conditions with revolutionary Airdrive Design technology, Monocoque aluminum chassis, and Tough Digigear drivetrain. Available in multiple sizes optimized for redfish, snapper, snook, and pelagic species.
BOTE launches the Argo Aero, an inflatable fishing kayak available in solo and tandem models featuring a 41-inch wide pontoon-style hull, integrated universal mounting plates, and the Solis Frame Seat. The Solo model weighs 33 lbs and the Tandem weighs 41.4 lbs, priced at $1,399 and $1,599 respectively.
Minnesota DNR released photos, videos, and soundbites from its April 30 electronic licensing system demonstration. The new system launching by early summer will allow Minnesotans to purchase fishing and hunting licenses and register vehicles and watercraft, with the fishing and hunting module available first.
Return 'Em Right is recruiting charter captains, fishing leaders, and digital creators for its Ambassador Program to promote responsible fish release practices. Selected ambassadors receive a descending device, exclusive apparel, and a fully covered charter. Applications close May 15.
EGO Fishing highlights its Soft Sided Bait Cooler as essential protection against rising temperatures and live bait prices. The cooler's advanced thermal barrier maintains water temperatures for up to 12 hours, preventing oxygen deprivation in freshwater and saltwater environments where bait mortality costs anglers significantly.
NEBO, THAW, and TRUE offer complementary roadside safety solutions including portable lighting, jump starters, heating products, and emergency tools designed to prepare drivers for unexpected vehicle emergencies and winter conditions.
Yamaha Marine announced a limited-time "Real Reliability" sales event from May 4-31, 2026, offering customers extended Yamaha Extended Service coverage or dealer credit on eligible four-stroke outboards ranging from 2.5 to 450 horsepower.
PRADCO Fishing opened the first custom lure shop in a major retail store at Bass Pro Shops in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Customers can purchase lures from brands like Heddon, Rebel, and BOOYAH and add personalized messages or signatures for a $3 upcharge using digital printing technology.
MyOutdoorTV launches the Just Dropped Channel, a live streaming channel featuring all-new episodes from popular shows including Bone Collector with Michael Waddell, Everything Eichler with Fred Eichler, Jim Shockey's Shock Therapy, MeatEater Hunts, Pigman: The Series, and Tracks Across Africa, available 24/7 to subscribers.
Berkley Pro Austin Tomasek won the National Walleye Tour opener on Lake Erie with 86 pounds, 9 ounces, earning a Ranger 620FS PRO and $15,000. Fishing out of Monroe, Michigan, Tomasek adapted to changing water conditions to locate prespawn walleye and secured a commanding victory over second place.
Research from William & Mary's Batten School & VIMS documents the Atlantic mangrove fiddler crab expanding northward into temperate salt marshes, reaching Beaufort, South Carolina—nearly 200 miles beyond its traditional Florida range. Rising ocean temperatures are driving this climate-induced range shift, with the species potentially reaching North Carolina within five years.
Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) provides guidance on coexisting with American alligators and crocodiles, the only place in the world where both species live wild together. The article explains how to identify each species, their behaviors, and safety tips including keeping distance, securing pets, and never feeding these reptiles.
Atlantic red snapper are a popular reef species that appear to be on the comeback thanks to tight management, and new rules will now allow anglers to enjoy an increased harvest. AFTCO
For more than a decade, NOAA Fisheries’ South Atlantic red snapper management has been a case study in how good intentions can curdle into bad policy.
The fish were definitely in trouble in the early 2000’s. Rapid advances in sonar and GPS as well as more anglers investing in bigger, faster offshore-capable boats along with commercial harvest was rapidly wiping out the population of adult snapper on the Atlantic coast from Florida to North Carolina. Fish numbers plummeted on most accessible reefs.
According to the assessments used at the time by NOAA Fisheries:
Spawning stock biomass was estimated at roughly 10–15% of the unfished level
Stocks were thought to be down about 85–90% from historical abundance before heavy fishing pressure
Fishing mortality had been well above sustainable levels for decades, particularly from the 1970s through the early 2000s
Snapper are long-lived fish, and it takes a decade to produce a 20-pounder. Catch evidence as well as dive reports indicated that most fish were not surviving anywhere near that long due to fishing pressure.
The federal fishery managers did what was obviously necessary—they shut down the fishery completely.
Anglers accepted tough medicine. Seasons were closed in 2010, then reopened only in symbolic slivers — a day here, a weekend there.
Surprisingly, the stock rebounded faster than expected. By NOAA’s own benchmarks, South Atlantic red snapper was rebuilding nearly 20 years ahead of schedule. Soon, anglers were accidentally catching lots of big snapper while fishing for grouper and other reef species. In some areas it became tough to catch anything but keeper-sized red snapper.
And yet the restrictions stayed.
Red snapper are a popular family target because they’re easy to find and fool—and they’re among the tastiest fish in the sea. (Frank Sargeant)
The reason wasn’t biology. It was data — or more precisely, the continued reliance on a federal recreational data system widely acknowledged to be too coarse, too slow, and too disconnected from real-world fishing effort to manage a fishery this localized and this valuable.
Also, fishery managers always tend to manage conservatively, because with restrictions that are too tight, the worst that can happen is you have a lot more fish than you expect. Manage to liberally and you have no fish—and you get fired.
Be that as it may, the federal logjam on Atlantic red snapper finally broke last week.
On May 1, the administration approved exempted fishing permits (EFPs) allowing Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina to manage South Atlantic red snapper recreational seasons in 2026 under state-run pilot programs. The decision marks a significant shift away from one-size-fits-all federal control toward cooperative management grounded in better, faster data.
It’s not radical. It’s corrective.
Florida will apply the same state-run reporting and management framework it already uses successfully on the Gulf Coast, opening a 39-day season from May 22 through June 20, with additional October weekends. Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina will coordinate a separate system using an angler reporting app, supporting a 62-day season from July 1 through August 31.
What matters isn’t the exact dates. It’s the principle.
For years, South Atlantic anglers were told that the seasons couldn’t expand because the data wouldn’t support it — and that the answer was more restrictions, not better information. At one point, federal managers openly discussed extending closures beyond snapper to all bottom fishing, a move that would have punished anglers targeting healthy stocks simply because they might encounter a rebuilt one.
The EFPs flip that logic. Instead of managing around uncertainty, the states are being allowed to reduce it — by collecting trip-level, near-real-time harvest data tied directly to permits, seasons, and actual fishing effort. It’s a model that aligns incentives: anglers want access, managers want accuracy, and conservation depends on both.
Support for the shift has been broad and bipartisan. Groups like the Center for Sportfishing Policy, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Coastal Conservation Association, the American Sportfishing Association, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association have all pushed for state-led alternatives to modernize the conservation process.
Large red snapper are becoming more abundant along the Atlantic coast, and hopefully the new state management programs will keep them that way. (Shimano)
This isn’t a rollback of Magnuson-Stevens safeguards. It’s an attempt to make them work as intended — by matching management tools to the scale and behavior of the fishery.
Red snapper are reef-associated, relatively sedentary, and heavily concentrated near known structure. Treating their recreational harvest as if it were a diffuse, coast-wide phenomenon has never made much sense. States, with finer geographic resolution and direct relationships with anglers, are better positioned to manage that reality — especially when they’re willing to invest in reporting systems and enforcement.
If these pilot programs succeed, the payoff extends beyond snapper. They offer a template for how rebuilt stocks should be handled going forward: cautiously, based on real science, but with an eye to maximizing the reasonable use of the resource while maintaining it at maximum health.
