Conservation

Environmental and waterway news.

Latest in Conservation

Warmer Waters

By: Capt. Bart Marx Now that it is April in Southwest Florida, temperatures are warming up as the waters get …

March Opportunities

By: Capt. Bart Marx Southwest Florida had a record-breaking winter and The Gulf of America water temperature was below 50 …

February’s Opportunities

By: Capt. Bart Marx Fishing in Southwest Florida is getting better every week. There has been little rain and that …

Abundant Opportunities

By: Capt. Bart Marx January in Southwest Florida and the beginning a new year for fishing in our area. This …

Cooler Weather

By: Capt. Bart Marx As the water temperatures finally begin cooling down, it encourages the fish tomove around more as …

November Opportunities

By: Capt. Bart Marx Thankfully, the weather and water temps are beginning to cool down and the fishing is starting …

Popular This Month

Outfitting Your Boat for Offshore Fishing

Outfitting a boat for offshore fishing can feel overwhelming, but prioritizing safety, education, and reliable equipment is key to success. From investing in quality safety gear and electronics to choosing versatile tackle and learning from experienced boaters, the right preparation helps reduce risk and maximize your time on the water. Check out some great tips here!

Lake Calcasieu—the Model Estuary

Lake Calcasieu, known as “Big Lake,” stands out as a model estuary thanks to its rich blend of river flow and surrounding marshes that create an incredibly fertile ecosystem. This nutrient-driven system supports thriving populations of speckled trout, redfish, and flounder, making it one of the most productive and sought-after fisheries on the Gulf Coast.

The Evolution of Tackle

This article explores the deep historical roots of fishing gear, revealing that basic tools like hooks and rods date back thousands of years to ancient civilizations like Egypt and China. It traces the transition from primitive materials—such as shell hooks and horsehair lines—to modern innovations like fiberglass rods, monofilament lines, and precision-engineered reels. Ultimately, the piece highlights how today's high-tech tackle is a refined evolution of original concepts driven by advanced engineering and new materials.

Don’t Think About This the Next Time You Go Fishing

Fishing is full of quirky superstitions—from “no bananas on the boat” to the dreaded first-cast curse—but whether rooted in history or just habit, they all shape how we experience a day on the water. In the end, belief or not, every angler knows there’s always one more chance… the last cast.