Conservation

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Myth-Busting Florida’s Invasive Lionfish

First reported sightings of a lionfish in Florida waters date back to 1985. Reports slowly increased over the years and eventually resulted in an explosion of sightings around 2009. This is not solely a Florida event but one of international proportions. The affected areas now range from the northern coastline of South America, throughout the entire Caribbean, Central America, Gulf of Mexico and eastern seaboard of the U.S.

Indian River Lagoon Seagrass Loss

Following years of improving health and increases in seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon, the 156-mile-long estuary is at a crossroads.

Seeing the Big Picture

  By: Kara Lankford Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop about marine mammals in the Gulf of …

NFWF Awards Angler Action Grant

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced that it is awarding funds to the Snook and Gamefish Foundation for the purpose of enhancing the Angler Action Program (AAP), including enhancements to the smartphone application iAngler.

Florida’s Ocean and Coastal Ecosystems: Take Action, Our Future Begins Today

By Mark Perry Our ocean and coastal ecosystems are of the utmost importance. The ocean provides 95% of the living …

Take the Goliath Grouper Stakeholder Project Survey

The University of Florida is conducting a research project aimed at obtaining a good understanding of the views and experiences …

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