Conservation

Environmental and waterway news.

Latest in Conservation

Dade City angler lands state record brown bullhead catfish

Dade City resident Richard Clinton now holds the record for catching the largest brown bullhead catfish on rod and reel …

FWC NEWS: For-hire captain, crew can retain recreational bag limits of reef fish in Atlantic starting 3/13

For-hire captain and crew can retain recreational bag limits of vermilion snapper, groupers and golden tilefish in state waters of …

Fish Busters’ Bulletin: License-Free Freshwater Fishing Days – April 5-6

Florida Fish Busters’ Bulletin By Bob Wattendorf     Bream destinations great for kids; license-free fishing weekend, photo contest coming soon …

Free Women’s Fishing Clinic scheduled for Fort Pierce, Vero Beach

Learn the skills to successfully cast your line into the sea by attending the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission …

New Study: BP Oil is Affecting the Hearts of Fish

During the spring and summer of 2010, the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster released over 4 million barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. This was an unprecedented amount of toxic material discharged into the Gulf, and oil spill scientists have been researching its impacts on marine and coastal wildlife ever since. One of the species of concern is the imperiled Atlantic bluefin tuna, which was spawning at the time and location of the BP disaster.

Sargassum, a most valuable weed

We see it most every time we go out on the water, and unless we’re trolling for wahoo or dolphinfish, we probably just take Sargassum weed for granted and don’t give it a second thought.

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!

Peacock Bass: South Florida’s Best Kept Secret

Florida’s peacock bass fishery, created by stocking efforts in the 1980s, has quietly become a major success—producing hard-fighting, colorful gamefish that thrive in South Florida canals and offer anglers a unique, world-class experience close to home. Check out some great catches here!

For A Great Fight, Try the Rooster Fish

If you want a fight you won’t forget, target roosterfish. These inshore beasts crush baits and go on screaming runs—pure sport, all adrenaline.

Spring Flounder Trickle

While the fall flounder run is a well-known spectacle, the spring return is a more subtle "trickle" that begins as early as late February. Unlike the concentrated mass exodus of the fall, spring flounder gradually re-enter estuaries through passes and channels, eventually spreading throughout the bays from deep ledges to shallow marsh guts. This transition period offers excellent opportunities for anglers willing to brave the spring winds, using sinking lures for deep water early in the season and shallow-water shrimp imitations as temperatures rise.