Conservation

Environmental and waterway news.

Latest in Conservation

Atlantic snook and Gulf amberjack close in state waters June 1

The recreational harvest of snook in Atlantic state and federal waters and of greater amberjack in Gulf of Mexico state …

Monofilament fishing line perilous for pelicans

In Florida, fishing is an important part of our lifestyle as well as the economy. However, this enjoyable activity sometimes …

License-free saltwater, freshwater fishing fun coming this weekend

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA  (May 29, 2012) –The first week of June is National Fishing and Boating Week. This year, start and …

The Billfish Foundation’s Ellen Peel, two others named by President Obama to key White House posts

FT LAUDERDALE, FL – Ellen Peel, president and CEO of The Billfish Foundation, who has also served for three years as …

Stone crab season to close May 16

Florida stone crab season closes on May 16. Photo credit: MyFWC. The commercial and recreational harvest of stone crab claws …
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Line Retrieval and Recycling Programs Aren’t Just For The Birds

By Renee Wilson Fishing line has evolved greatly over the years. With so many options available, like monofilament, fluorocarbon, braided …

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.