Conservation

Environmental and waterway news.

Latest in Conservation

ECA’s February 1, 2018 Coastal Angler Submission

by Alan Ritchie The 2018 Scheduled Dredge of the Wiggins Pass and Doctor’s Pass Channels to Begin The Collier County …

On The Water with FECOP

FECOP Submits Criteria to License Greenstick Fishing in Costa Rica Greenstick or “palo verde” as it is known in Costa …

Hurricane Irma Aftermath in the Ten Thousand Islands: Kemp’s ridley

Four months after Irma’s fury we take a look at the damage to the remote coastal ecosystems in this affected region.

FWC Approves Changes to Gulf Cobia Management

At its December meeting in Gainesville, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) took final action to approve several …

Season Changes for Gulf Amberjack

At its December meeting in Gainesville, the FWC set the greater amberjack recreational season in Gulf state waters to open May 1-31 and Aug. 1-Oct. 31.

Connect the Dots – Dolphin Conservation

As researchers with the Dolphin Communication Project (DCP), we work to promote the scientific study of dolphins and inspire their conservation.

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.

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Owen’s First Wahoo

41”snook

20 inch sheepshead

ELLE with a snook