Conservation

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Coastal Conservation Association Inter-Chapter Challenge Sets Records

The Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA) held its annual Inter-chapter Challenge (ICC) June 20-21 at Jensen Beach. A record 197 anglers representing 19 local chapters statewide made the trip to fish the tournament at Jensen Beach, near Port St. Lucie.

Commercial Turtle Poachers Busted

Four men have been charged in the alleged illegal capture and exchange of 2,100 pounds of live, wild-caught turtles. A Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission investigation was launched in March after the arrest of My Van Vo, 31, of Lakeland, who was caught on Lake Apopka near Orlando with 87 softshell turtles weighing in excess of 500 pounds. The subsequent investigation throughout Polk and Seminole counties netted two other men and an Okeechobee freshwater turtle farmer.

New Projects Miss Opportunity to Jump Start Restoration in the Gulf

In June, a partnership of Gulf state and federal agencies announced they are approving $627 million in early restoration projects for Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Texas, as part of the Natural Resources Damage Assessment of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster. This is another milestone in the process to restore the Gulf of Mexico. But the news isn’t all positive.

South Carolina Conservation Groups Continue to Benefit From Guy Harvey Donations

CCA SC Applies Funds to Support Oyster Recycling and Enhancement Program The green footprint left in the Palmetto State courtesy …

SAVE THE DATE: 7th Annual Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup, July 26

Mark your calendar for the 7th Annual Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup, which is slated for Saturday, July 26, 20143. Both volunteers and sponsors are needed to make this event a success. Volunteer as a group or individual, young and old, this event is for everyone.

Two-Day Mini Lobster Season: July 30-31

Every July when the official mini-lobster season kicks off, the coastal areas of Florida are flooded with “bug-hunters” trying to find their share of the tasty crustaceans. There are two Florida Lobster Seasons, the two-day mini season and the eight-month regular lobster season. The mini lobster season is always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. This year the mini season falls on July 30th and 31st. The regular lobster season opens August 6, running through March 31.

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Nine Alternative Deceiver Patterns

Lefty’s Deceiver may be the most effective fly pattern ever. Lefty Kreh developed the fly in the 1950s and since then Deceivers have caught fish all over the world. Lefty describes the Deceiver as a tying method rather than a specific fly pattern. This allows for modifications in color, size and materials. These alterations have made the Deceiver extremely versatile. Here are a few “alternative” Deceivers you should think about tying.

A Wade-Fishing Pilgrimage To South Texas

I've traveled all over the Gulf Coast in search of trophy trout. As a self-proclaimed “purist,” 25 miles east of Raymondville, Texas is as good as it gets.

Kayaking For Epic Striped Bass Action Off Cape Cod

Each year I have the pleasure of making a pilgrimage to Cape Cod, where I join a group of Vermont anglers in kayaking for striped bass. This year was a record breaker.