Conservation

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Celebrate Florida’s first annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day May 16 with FWC and partners

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is celebrating its inaugural Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day by hosting and promoting a weekend of exciting events across the state, starting Saturday, May 16, including a festival in Pensacola. Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day (established to be the first Saturday after Mother’s Day each year) was created by FWC Commissioners to help draw attention to the lionfish issue. Lionfish are a nonnative, invasive species that have a potential negative impact on native species and habitat.

Florida Oceanographic to Host Free Youth Fishing Clinic April 19

Florida Oceanographic Society will host the 4th annual Game Fish and Fish Games on Sunday, April 19 from 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. for children ages 8–14. This free fishing clinic will take place at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, 890 N.E. Ocean Blvd. on Hutchinson Island in Stuart.

Martin County Lionfish Program to present “Lionfish Clinic and Hunt”

Martin County’s Lionfish Program in conjunction with the Martin County Artificial (MCAC) Reef Fund will host a Lionfish Clinic and Hunt, on April 24th & 25th at the Loxahatchee River Center in Jupiter.

SEAHORSE ROUNDUP: Citizen scientists working to unravel mysteries

You could play an important part in an ongoing seahorse genetics study being run by marine biologist Nancy Pham Ho from Florida Institute of Technology’s Vero Beach Marine Laboratory. Nancy is enlisting the help of “Citizen Scientists” just like you to help collect DNA samples from local seahorses.

A gamefish by any other name

Regardless of your personal definition of “gamefish”, it’s time to start treating every fish you catch with some respect. No more rough handling or intentionally spiteful releases (you know exactly what I’m talking about!) just because a fish isn’t on your favorites list or is the wrong size to take home. Use proper catch and release practices on bonefish and burrfish alike
Piping-plover

BNT and Audubon Band Together to Band Piping Plovers

Andros, Bahamas – The Joulter Cays, located in Andros just north of the settlement of Lowe Sound, is well renowned as a fly fishing paradise with some of the highest quality bonefish habit in the world.

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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.

Haddrell’s Point and Tackle Offshore Report – April

By Captain Mike Able, Contributing Writer Whew, we made it!! Made it past March that is! For me, I feel …

Topsail – April 2026

With the weather warming with the arrival of Spring, I like to get back to throwing a lot more topwater …

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Owen’s First Wahoo

41”snook

20 inch sheepshead

ELLE with a snook