Conservation

Environmental and waterway news.

Latest in Conservation

100,000 Pounds of Gizzard Shad Removed Lake Apopka

The St. Johns River Water Management District funds the harvest to help restore water quality and improving habitat for desirable game fish.

Oyster Restoration Season

It’s oyster restoration season again and as temperatures start to fall volunteers will be constructing oyster modules for placement around the Indian River Lagoon. 

A Paddling Mini-Vacation

By Mike Hammond With cooler weather here, camping along the Calusa Blueway becomes a delight. One of our favorite campgrounds …

Connect the Dots

By Kelly Melillo Sweeting Do you ever look up at the night sky and search for your favorite constellation? Look …

View from Rookery Bay

By Dr. Judith Hushon In the weeks since Irma, the weather has been beautiful out on Rookery Bay, usually with …

Protecting The Nosara Billfish

“I’ve heard people say ‘A bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work,'" said Master Capt. William Mendoza with his trademark wry smile...

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