Conservation

Environmental and waterway news.

Latest in Conservation

Kids Fishing – Sowing the Next Crop

I have, since the birth of my daughter, Kaya, who is now the age of four, taken on a whole new view of a topic which used to trigger my gag reflex.

Tarpon Mysteries Revealed Through DNA

Fish tagging and marking is a common tool in fishery science and is used to obtain important information about a fish species.

It’s Time To Go Non-Compliant On Red Snapper: The Broken System Can’t Work

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, at its April meeting and under the hammer of the Federal Courts, declared the ridiculous recreational season for red snapper to be eleven days. As reported last month in this column, the Council had no choice. The recreational quota had been exceeded for the sixth time in seven years.

Restoring Beyond the Shore is Critical to Gulf Recovery

When the Deepwater Horizon exploded four summers ago, we all watched as BP’s well endlessly poured gallon after gallon of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

Yellowstone Cutthroat Fighting For Survival

For more than eight years, the effort to re-establish populations of the iconic Yellowstone cutthroat trout to their native Yellowstone Lake has been ongoing.

“Why are you killing that beautiful fish?”

The lionfish invasion in Florida’s waters... a brief review and update

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