Author: BD STAFF

For many recreational boaters, getting the right salvage and repair help for a damaged boat after a hurricane is a difficult proposition. Some insurance programs such as BoatUS will arrange and pay to have their insured’s boats salvaged. Other insurers will at least provide some assistance, but those without insurance don’t have anyone to lean on. For those going it alone, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) offered some tips to help boat owners find the right salvage company and to help get the repairs done right. “This isn’t the time to hire someone cruising the beach in…

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) reported that its State Fishing License Marketing Program continues to positively impact state agency revenue and fishing license sales. Results from the 2012 program reveal more than $4.8 million was generated in gross program revenue, contributing to state marine programs. RBFF’s marketing program helps state agencies send targeted, well-timed and inviting direct mail pieces to lapsed anglers, reminding them of the pleasures of fishing, and encouraging them to renew their license. Since the State Fishing License Marketing Program was initiated five years ago, it has generated 1.3 million fishing license sales. “We are…

  Jan. 4-6: Key Largo Sailfish Challenge. Key Largo. At the height of the sailfish season this event follows a boat-tournament format, and prizes and trophies await first-, second- and third-place teams. Proceeds help benefit the Coral Shores High School Band program. Call 305-240-9337 or email fishnbully@msn.com. Jan. 9-10: The Islamorada SailFly Championship. Islamorada. In this fly-fishing, all-release boat-team tournament, captains, mates or anglers can tease, but only the registered anglers can cast, hook and play the fish. The 13th annual invitational challenge is limited to 20 teams, with no more than two anglers per boat. Call 305-664-5423 or email…

The Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC) recently selected James Kellogg, president of the Fish and Game, as its Californian of the Year for 2012. According to OWAC, Kellogg has been a 10-year member of the California Fish & Game Commission and has consistently displayed a balanced sense of fair play regarding the environment, conservation and preservation of California’s resources. Kellogg has presided over many controversial topics. He has also served as the International Representative to the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada, a position he has held…

Sandy Boat Recovery Storm It’s barely a day since she struck the New Jersey coast with all her fury, and early reports indicate that Hurricane Sandy has caused significant damage to marinas, boat yards, boat clubs and boating infrastructure. All predictions are estimating the damage in the several billion dollar range. The Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) Catastrophe Response Team, which handles the recovery operations for BoatUS marine insurance customers and is often tasked to coordinate salvage operations at local marinas, has been mobilized. With likely hundreds of damaged, beached, or sunk boats awaiting recovery by their…

Florida is a boater’s paradise with more than 1,350 miles of coastline running down the Atlantic seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico. The state has always held a reputation for hosting one of America’s most diverse fisheries. Anglers can target a wide range of game fish in the Sunshine State. From bonefish in south Florida to high-flying sailfish and world-record-sized tarpon, there is something for everyone in Florida. The biggest decision any angler planning to fish in Florida has to make is what species do they want to target and what area do they plan on fishing? There are so…

For the past 25 years, Florida’s statewide alligator harvest has been nationally and internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a natural resource. Each year, alligator management units are established with appropriate harvest quotas to provide recreational opportunities for Floridians and nonresidents to take up to two alligators per permit. Those applicants who are awarded a permit must purchase two CITES tags and an Alligator Trapping License. Female alligators rarely exceed 9 feet in length, but males can grow much larger. The Florida state record alligator measured 14 feet, 3.5 inches. The gator was a male,…

A satellite reporting tagging device know as a SPOT tag, deployed in a shortfin mako shark dubbed “Carol” in New Zealand five months ago, is providing scientists with remarkable and previously unknown details of the timing and long-distance migratory movements of this species. The Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) at Nova Southeastern University is collaborating with the New Zealand National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) on the tagging experiment with Carol, the shortfin mako shark. The SPOT tag is revealing that Carol is spending a lot of time at the ocean’s surface, reporting her location to the satellite…

The Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve was enacted in late September by the Hon. Lisel Alamilla, Belize’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development. While the term “marine reserve” often turns off fishermen, this reserve will actually be a good thing for everyone who likes to chase the bonefish and permit that Belize is famous for. The act will manage and protect the largest and most biologically diverse atoll in the Caribbean according to Craig Hayes, Board Chairman of Turneffe Atoll Trust and owner/operator of Turneffe Flats Resort. “This 325,000-acre Marine Reserve, the largest in Belize, will benefit Turneffe’s commercial fishermen,…

Serious anglers and outdoors enthusiasts know with fishing, time of day can be everything. Costa Sunglasses introduces its high contrast specialty 580P™ sunrise lens – a lightweight, impact resistant lens that allows maximum light transmission and enhanced depth perception to cut glare and allow anglers to see through the water more clearly in the early morning or late afternoon prime fishing hours, when outside light is low. Costa’s 100 percent polarized 580 lenses block yellow light from entering the eye, creating razor sharp color enhancement and superior visual acuity. In addition to the new sunrise lens option, other 580 lens…

Discovery Channel Fighting Tuna The Discovery Channel will be airing Fighting Tuna, a new two-part special about fishing for giant bluefin tuna, premiering on Tuesday, October 30th at 10 p.m. Weighing between 320 and 1,500 pounds, giant bluefin tuna are the largest prize in the ocean. These behemoths are the most expensive fish in the world, their price driven up by Japanese demand for sushi. The largest of the bluefin tuna swim north to the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean where they’re targeted by a range of fishermen the old-fashioned way — with rod and reel. In Fighting Tuna,…

Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts recently announced that Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour will become the newest member of the Expedition Properties Portfolio by Guy Harvey Outpost. Old Bahama Bay is the third Outpost Expedition Property in the northern Bahamas since launching the program earlier this year. Outpost co-founders Mark Ellert and Bill Shedd made the announcement, along with James Culmer, manager of Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour. “Old Bahama Bay is without question one of the most popular out-island marina resorts in the Bahamas, with world-class fishing and legendary diving,” said Ellert. “It’s the front door…

It’s not every day you meet a female angler who can just as easily work the cockpit of a boat as she can work the runway. Originally from Missouri, Deidra Bridger now works as a first mate in southwest Florida when she’s not representing an outdoors company as a spokesmodel. She spoke to us about how she got into fishing. Q: So you grew up in the Show-Me State (Missouri), how’d you end up in Florida? A: In 2005, I left the Show-Me State to complete a college internship in the Sunshine State. Although the backwoods of Missour’a speak deep to…

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift for the fisherman in your life, check out the special reels that Accurate Fishing Products is offering for this holiday season. The reels feature a special Aqua Marine anodized blue color with silver highlights. But you better act fast if you want to make sure your reel will be shipped to you in time for the holidays. According to Accurate, all orders need to be received by Thursday, November 1, 2012. For more information call 951-479-0909 or visit accuratefishing.com.

The first-ever International Fishing Tournament of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, is now in the record books. According to tournament officials, Jorge Amarillas reeled in a black marlin of 325 kg (715 pounds), breaking the record for the biggest black marlin caught in a Pacific-based tournament in Mexico. Amarillas took home first place for his big catch. Amarillas caught his fish on Sunday, October 14, and broke the six-year-old record for the largest marlin caught during a tournament off Mexico’s Pacific coast. Prior to the 325 kg black marlin, the record had stood at 322.7 kg or…

An Ojai, California, woman sustained minor injuries to her arm and back after being attacked by a bear while walking her dogs at about 7 a.m. on October 20th. California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) wardens confirmed the attack at approximately 3:30 p.m. and were on scene and continuing the investigation. The victim, a 50-year-old woman, was walking her three dogs on a road just north of the Ojai city limit adjacent to national forest when she apparently surprised a California black bear described as cinnamon brown and approximately 250 pounds with a cub described as 45 to 50…

Turn any interior wall into a bold fishing scene in just minutes using the removable wall decals recently introduced by BoldWallArt. Rather than go through the expense and hassle of installing a large wall mount to commemorate your favorite catch, consumers can now purchase one of the seven artist-quality game fish scenes from BoldWallArt for a fraction of the cost and hang them in a matter of minutes. The ‘Game Fish’ series features some of the world’s most popular fresh and saltwater sport fish. Available species include largemouth bass, blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, California yellowtail, red drum and mahimahi…

Florida Boating Access Improvements The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is dishing out $5.2 million to improve boating access through the Florida Boating Improvement Program (FBIP) grants. “These grants for boat ramps will bring economic development opportunities across our state,” said Governor Rick Scott. “As the fishing capital of the world, Florida takes pride in the maintenance and quality of our boat ramps and facilities. They will provide a steady flow of tourism and recreation.” In addition to patrolling Florida’s woods and waters to protect people and natural resources, the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement manages boating access.…

Accurate Reel – Name The Newest Accurate Reel Accurate is fishing for a name for its latest Accurate reel and is looking for your help. To help them develop a catchy name for their latest creation, the company started an online contest to see who can come up with the best name. The person who comes up with the winning name, will be presented with the first reel off the assembly line, and Accurate will also use its laser engraving process to place the name of the winner on the reel. According to Accurate, the name of the reel must reflect…

The new Gage Storm Runner foul-weather gear from Grundens is perfect for those tropical days when you just can’t predict what the weather will do. This gear offers lightweight, packable protection against conditions ranging from sea spray or light summer showers to full-on downpours. The Gage Storm Runner jacket and pants weigh less than 26 ounces combined (including waist belt), but this is some durable gear. The 2.0 layer nylon ripstop shell has a waterproof/breathable barrier and Durable Water Resistant finish to keep you dry and comfortable in any conditions. Because it’s lightweight and breathable, Storm Runner also keeps you…

On the morning of Friday, October 12th, just after 10 a.m., a crowd of onlookers began to gather at a beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. They weren’t there to take in the touristas, they were looking at a strange sea creature that was making its way ashore. The story was originally posted by Pisces Sportfishing, when one of their employees, Roberto Gonzalez, a realtor from Pisces Real Estate, checked out the commotion on the main beach of Cabo — El Medano. His first thought was, “there’s been an accident,” then he saw three locals supporting what at first glance…

Furuno Manufacturer Of The Year Furuno received more National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) awards than any other manufacturer at the 2012 NMEA Convention. The marine electronics manufacturer won four awards, bringing Furuno’s NMEA Award total to 205, since NMEA started presenting awards in 1971. For seven years running, Furuno has received the coveted Manufacturer of the Year — Support award. Furuno remains the sole recipient of this award since its introduction on the ballot in 2005. “We are especially honored to win the Manufacturer of the Year award for seven consecutive years,” stated Jim Atteridge, President of Furuno USA. “Providing…

Seaguar, the inventor and world leader in fluorocarbon fishing line, has expanded its TATSU line offerings with the addition of 25-pound test and 1,000-yard bulk spools. “These are great additions,” said Seaguar fishing pro, Denny Brauer. “TATSU has already built quite a following because it is both amazingly strong and extraordinarily castable. With 25-pound test, I’ve got a new premium option for fishing in heavy cover.” TATSU provides remarkable tensile, knot and impact strength through Seaguar’s superior, state-of-the-art double-structure process. Double-Structure Fluorocarbon creates two custom, 100 percent Seaguar fluorocarbon resins — a softer exterior resin to enhance knot strength and…

The Billfish Tournament Series of Central America was recently formed to incorporate several of the high-profile billfish events in Central America, with the following goals: · Promote sportfishing tourism as an important and sustainable industry throughout the Central American Pacific coast region where the billfish tournaments take place. · Promote the conservation, research and sound management practices for all species of billfish including blue, black and striped marlin and sailfis,h as well as pelagic game fish to both enhance and protect the future of the sportfishing tourism industry. · Increase and enhance the levels of communication and cooperation among the…