Latest in Fishing & Outdoors
Sportfishing Industry Pleased with Withdrawal of Vessel Speed Rule, More Work to be Done
NOAA Fisheries formally withdrew a proposed rule that would have had dire consequences on public access to fishing along much of the eastern seaboard. The North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule, originally published in the Federal Register in 2022, would have limited vessels larger than 35 feet from traveling faster than 10 knots (11.5 mph). The proposed speed restrictions would have governed coastal waters from Massachusetts to Florida and been in effect for roughly half the year.
Craig Williams Secures World Record with a 10-pound Snubnose Pompano
On October 12, 2024, Craig Williams achieved a remarkable feat by landing a 4.62-kilogram (10-pound, 3-ounce) snubnose pompano while fishing in Dampier, Australia. This impressive catch earned him the IGFA Men’s 3-kg (6 lb.) Line Class World Record for the species. The pompano was enticed by Craig's crab fly, and after a brief battle, he successfully landed the fish. Craig then recorded its weight on his certified scale before safely releasing it back into the water.
Fishing Camera Tossed In The Surf For Four Days (CRAZY Footage!)
Check out a great video here!
Safe Fish Handling Tips
Knowing how to safely handle and release fish is just as important as being able to catch fish. Below are a few tips that will help any angler.
Learning from Mistakes
One of the slowest ways to learn is learning from your own mistakes… but some of them will be priceless over time and hopefully, you’ll laugh at yourself.
Fly of the Month: Conner’s Nutter Butter
The Nutter Butter is a great pattern that falls toward the natural color palette, featuring mostly tans and browns and natural material like coyote fur. Something I have noticed is these subtle colors can draw a strike when brighter colors will not, making streamers like the Nutter Butter a staple for any streamer fisher’s box.
Surf Expo Showcases Innovation, Sustainability, and Vibrant Industry Momentum
Surf Expo’s first event of 2025 was held January 8–10 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Attracting over 750 exhibitors and thousands of retail buyers, the show provided an unparalleled platform for networking, business growth, and industry innovation. With strong engagement from both new and established brands, major retailers, and independent shops, Surf Expo once again confirmed its role as the premier gathering for the watersports and coastal lifestyle industries.
Wintertime’s Best-Bet Species
With the time-eating bustle of the holidays behind us, anglers will again have some free time to hit the water. Depending on what coastline you fish from, deep winter can be difficult. Here’s a list of target species that can serve to hold you through to spring.
45th Annual Bisbee’s Black and Blue Exceeds $7.4 Million, Top Three Teams All Win $1.5 Million-Plus in Prize Money
Magic Touch earned top honors with a 459-pound blue landed on the last day of fishing, backed by a 344-pound blue from Day Two. The combined team from Texas and Florida is taking home $2,440,850 for those fish, including first and fourth places and multiple daily jackpot prizes.Graham County’s Snowbird Creek Has It All
Snowbird Creek, and its main tributary Big Snowbird Creek, are places fly anglers could spend days exploring and still leave water untouched. On its top end, Big Snowbird is one of the largest remaining flows populated with native southern Appalachian brook trout. On its lower end, near its mouth at Lake Santeetlah, Snowbird plays host to an annual migration of lake-run rainbows that reach lengths well in excess of 20 inches.Under the Sea – Mentoring Young Guns
If all goes well, it will be a fun day, and they will always remember their first fish with pride. Photograph it; celebrate it; enjoy it. Check out some great tips here!Sarasota Police Officer Leaps into Action to Stop Unmanned Boat in Dramatic Rescue
The unmanned boat was cruising in circles up to 40 mph off the Gulf Coast in Sarasota.
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