Conservation

Environmental and waterway news.

Latest in Conservation

FWC UPDATE: Don’t cut the line! Reel. Remove. Release.

Steps to rescue a hooked bird: Reel in the bird. Remove the hook. Release the bird.

Celebrate Earth Day – Hook Kids on Fishing Clinic

Celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 16, by attending a “Hook Kids on Fishing Clinic” at the Hobe Sound Nature Center

Stop Killing Florida’s Estuaries and Everglades

Since January over 219 billion gallons of water from Lake Okeechobee has been discharged into the St. Lucie Estuary, Indian River Lagoon and the Caloosahatchee Estuary. Destruction of the oyster reefs, seagrass beds and nearshore coral reefs is the result of these discharges and the economic impacts to area businesses, tourism and real estate are significant and growing.

Moving Water to a Solution in Florida

Waiting until water gets south to store it is not a proper consideration. Sometimes it rains where you want to store the water. Having another and alternative location is prudent. Waiting until water gets a few miles away from the Everglades to clean it is not in the best interest of this natural wonder.

A call to action to protect our waterways and our economy

We’re all frustrated with the continued discharges to our already troubled waterways, and we need to continue to push our state and federal officials to find a solution… and fast. But, we can’t turn our backs on local businesses while we fight. The Economic Council will continue to stand up for all businesses in Martin County – large and small—that are being adversely affected.

Don’t cut the line! Reel. Remove. Release.

It’s a beautiful day and the fishing is good. Suddenly, the line snags on something as the cast is made. …

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