Author: BD STAFF

California’s crab aficionados are preparing their crab pots and hoop nets for the statewide recreational dungeness crab season opener this Saturday, November 5th. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) reminds sport crabbers that traps and nets for Dungeness crab may not be set before 12:01 a.m. on November 5. “Crab populations appear to be robust this year, especially in Central California, coming off a record harvest during the 2010-11 season,” said DFG Senior Environmental Scientist Pete Kalvass, who oversees the Invertebrate Management Project. “This could mean another great season for recreational crabbers.” Crab pots (or traps), loop traps and…

One-thousand groups and businesses have joined in urging Congress to consider the economic impacts of the great outdoors as it makes critical decisions concerning America’s fiscal health. The recently formed national coalition “America’s Voice for Conservation, Recreation and Preservation” showed strong new evidence of the employment opportunities and economic growth driven by natural resource conservation, outdoor recreation and historic preservation in America. Theodore Roosevelt IV, a leading figure in American conservation and the great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt, noted America’s long-standing tradition of conservation. “For more than a century, conservation is part of what has made America unique,” Roosevelt said.…

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) biologists took the first step in restoring fish to the Pearl River by releasing thousands of fish into the river. Approximately 30,000 channel catfish and 24,000 bluegill fingerlings were stocked at sites along the river in St. Tammany and Washington parishes. The stocking enhances the recovery of local fish populations following the Temple-Inland incident that killed more than 500,000 fish and freshwater mussels in the river. Although the fish population is expected to recover naturally, extra fingerlings were allocated to Pearl River to speed up the natural process. Anglers have already reported catching…

If you were impressed with the capabilities of the 3G radar system available from the Navico companies, including Lowrance, Simrad Yachting and B&G, then hang on to your hat because the new 4G will really blow you away. This “next-generation” radar displays targets so clear that you can spot a buoy or birds as close as 200 feet away while simultaneously monitoring targets up to 36 miles off the bow. The unit uses a solid-state Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW), offering unparalleled performance that you really have to see to believe. According to Navico, the Broadband 4G Radar is the…

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2011 Bahia Mar Lauderdale This is one of the world’s largest in-water boat shows, so there are tons of docks to walk. You can see everything from 200-foot-plus yachts with helicopters parked on them all the way down to inflatable tenders. Ft Lauderdale Show Traffic Most of the vendors reported steady sales throughout the course of the show (despite a few nasty rain storms)… A good sign that the industry is recovering from the recession. ZF Pods ZF unveiled a Viking 50 featuring the new ZF Pod 4000 pod drives with Smart Command. Powered by…

The recreational harvest seasons for vermilion snapper in the Atlantic Ocean and spotted Florida sea trout in south Florida will close on November 1. These closures are intended to reduce overfishing and increase the population of vermilion snapper in the Atlantic while helping to maintain the abundance of spotted sea trout in Florida waters. The recreational harvest and possession of vermilion snapper is prohibited beginning November 1 in all Atlantic waters off Florida. Recreational harvest of Atlantic vermilion snapper will reopen on April 1. For spotted sea trout, all harvest and possession is prohibited from November 1 through December 31…

The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is holding a public workshop to review its proposal to change sport fishing regulations related to striped bass. The workshop will be held Tuesday, November 8 at 7 p.m. at the Rio Vista City Hall, One Main Street in Rio Vista. The proposal is supported by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries and is intended to help recover several fish species listed under the California and federal Endangered Species Acts. The proposed changes affect the striped bass bag, size and possession…

In the spirit of Halloween, BD recently hosted a pumpkin-carving contest to see what our forum users could come up with. We asked for pumpkins that had a fishing or hunting theme, and we got some very clever entries (and a few racy ones as well). To pick the top three winners, we posted the photos of the pumpkins up on the BD Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Bloodydecks and asked our readers to “like” their favorite pumpkins… Thanks to the contest sponsor, Maximum Angler, the forum users who posted the top three pumpkins in the contest will each receive gift cards…

The salmon ladder at Nimbus Hatchery in Rancho Cordova, California, will open on November 1, signaling the start of the salmon spawning season on the Sacramento River. Department of Fish and Game (DFG) hatchery workers will take more than a half million eggs during the first week alone in an effort to ensure the successful spawning of the returning fall Chinook salmon. The three major state-run hatcheries in the Central Valley — Nimbus in Sacramento County, Feather River in Butte County and Mokelumne in San Joaquin County — will take approximately 38 million eggs over the next two months in…

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is asking anglers to use special techniques and extra vigilance to help conserve California’s green and white sturgeon. Both species are caught by anglers in a popular sport fishery centered in the San Francisco Estuary, but anglers need to be aware of special regulations in place to protect the long-term health and growth of the species. White sturgeon are a substantial management concern and green sturgeon are a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act. “The state’s anglers are on the front line of saving the ancient green sturgeon in our waters,”…

Targeted specifically for flats anglers and guides who pursue tarpon and permit, Hell’s Bay Boatworks unveiled a new, redesigned 16-foot, 4-inch flats skiff at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. The new Biscayne is a versatile boat with many cool features. At just 595 pounds (dry) it not only floats in super skinny water with a 7-inch draft (and that’s with two anglers and a 70-hp engine!), it is also extremely quiet when poling so you can sneak up on your quarry. HB designers say the Biscayne provides a comfortable ride during rough-water crossings, and superior performance in ocean swells…

According to the American Sportfishing Association, National Park Service officials at Biscayne National Park released a draft General Management Plan (GMP) which, despite opposition from numerous stakeholders and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), proposes to close more than 20 percent of the park’s public waters to recreational fishing and other activities. Anyone concerned with their ability to access public waters is urged to provide input on the GMP before the Monday, October 31 deadline. “The Biscayne National Park management plan is just another example of the National Park Service viewing the public as an inconvenience,” said ASA…

Effective immediately, Washington’s White Salmon River Closed to Fishing until further notice before the 125-foot Condit Hydroelectric Dam is scheduled for demolition. The closure, announced by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), includes Northwestern Lake, which has been lowered in recent weeks in preparation for breaching the dam with explosives. “The fishing closure is designed to protect public safety,” said Pat Frazier, WDFW regional fish manager. “No one should be on that river when the dam is breached and a wall of water comes rushing down river.” Frazier noted that the release of water is expected to destabilize the…

Carlsbad Lagoon Fishing Carlsbad, California, area residents will see some increased activity at Batiquitos Lagoon this fall. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will start a maintenance dredging operation at the Ecological Reserve beginning in November. The 542 acres of vast eelgrass beds, mudflats and both salt and freshwater marsh habitats support the many fish and avian species that inhabit the area. The land is jointly owned by DFG and the State Lands Commission and both have the responsibility for conservation and preservation of the resources in the lagoon. The State Lands Commission is partnering with DFG to provide…

Unless you’ve been living under a rock somewhere, you’ve either been fishing with or at least know about the advantages of using braided fishing line for a number of different applications. Today’s braided lines offer super-slim diameters, zero stretch and great strength, and they’ve become popular with fishermen of all types. Perhaps that’s why Seaguar, the inventor and leader in fluorocarbon fishing line, decided to expand its product line with the launch of Kanzen — a very strong, smooth-casting premium braid line. “With the increase of anglers using braid-to-fluoro leader connections, we kept getting asked the question, ‘When is Seaguar…

Kaenon Polarized, the Newport Beach-based performance sunglass brand, recently announced the launch of its 2011 Anniversary Collection in celebration of reaching its 10th year as a company. The Anniversary Collection will be available online starting in November. “To achieve 10 years of ongoing success, launching a new brand from scratch while enduring major macro-economic down cycles, has been nothing short of amazing,” says Steve Rosenberg, company co-founder and CEO. “Led by a burning commitment to innovation, premium quality and world-class customer service from a wonderful team are just a few of the elements that have made Kaenon Polarized a very…

Anglers are encouraged to turn out and support the United Anglers of Southern California’s annual Crab Feed Fundraiser and Fishing Tackle Swap Meet on Saturday, November 12. The third-annual event will take place at the Compton Hunting and Fishing Club and will feature new menu options and sales of donated fishing gear. Proceeds will support the legal fight against the unlawful Marine Life Protection Act. This event has become an important and well-attended fundraising activity, providing anglers an opportunity to support UASC and its ongoing efforts to protect recreational fishing access in a fun and casual outdoor environment. While plates…

The International Game Fish Association’s Records Committee recently announced that it has approved Greg Myerson’s 81-pound, 14-ounce striped bass caught in Long Island Sound as the new world record. The IGFA said its Record Committee came to a consensus on the catch after completing its due-diligence and going over the catch’s supporting documentation. Myerson’s striped bass created a whirlwind of excitement in early August for striper anglers everywhere, but especially in the northeastern United States. “After a 15 minute fight on my St. Croix rod and Quantum reel, I got the striped bass close enough to the boat for netting,”…

Even in a down economy, Bisbee can still draw a crowd. The 2011 Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament handed out prize checks totaling more than $2.1 million with the crew on Tiger Spirit netting a payout of $1,162,842 — and they didn’t even come in first place! The 31st edition of the Black & Blue attracted a field of 100 boats and more than 560 anglers representing 12 different nations. But unlike other sports where there can be only one winner, several teams shared the spotlight on the stage overlooking the Cabo San Lucas harbor. Angler Luis Arballo and…

AFTCO Performance Long Sleeve Inshore Shirt The technical clothing made specifically for fishing has advanced light years ahead of the good ol’ days when guys would fish in cutoff jean shorts and heavy-duty tee shirts. AFTCO recently came out with an Inshore Performance Long Sleeve shirt that is an ideal choice for fishing in tropical climates. Made out of an ultra-light, stain-resistant, anti-microbial, moisture-wicking performance material, the long sleeve shirt dries quickly and won’t get all funky smelling. Vented mesh panels up the side seams and down the inside seam of the torso keep you cool. The vents act like…

Quality foul-weather gear is a must for any angler or boater. All it takes is one long trip in a downpour with a cheapo raincoat to realize that good rain gear is worth its weight in gold. Grundens is known worldwide for producing tough gear that stands up to the harshest conditions. You’ll see Bering Sea crabbers wearing Grundens bibs and jackets for good reason. While the company has a long tradition in commercial fishing circles, it recently added a new line of gear, the Gage Technical Gear Line, that is built for recreational anglers and boaters. The Storm Surge…

california billfish series The first marlin ever caught on rod and reel occurred just off the coast of Catalina Island in the early 1900s. The island is full of history and charm and makes a great backdrop for the California Billfish Series. 2 You never know who you might meet at the opening day festivities at Descanso Beach on Catalina Island. We almost let them keep that trophy… 3 Hey, check out this great beer holder I found. good boat Many of the top offshore crews in Southern California came out to Catalina to support the California Billfish Series. Pictured…

Raymarine, a leader in marine electronics, recently announced that its e7 multifunction display was selected for the prestigious IBEX Innovation Award at the opening of the 2011 International Boat Builders Exhibition and Conference. The IBEX Innovation Awards are organized by National Marine Manufacturers Association and judged by Boating Writers International. When selecting winning products the BWI recognizes products for innovative distinction, benefits to the marine industry, practicality and benefits to consumer, and overall cost effectiveness. “This compact navigation solution brings multiple features, including built-in Wi-Fi connectivity to a marine multifunction device. Where Apple iPad integration, pop culture and intuitive operation…

Big-game pioneer and legendary billfish skipper Captain Ron Hamlin will soon end his long and storied career as a charter boat captain, taking the helm of the Release Boatworks fractional ownership program where he will continue to chase his 30,000th billfish release. Release Boatworks is a custom builder started by Jim Turner, who also owns Casa Vieja Lodge, one of the big-game fishing world’s top lodges, located in the billfish-rich waters of Guatemala. Release Boatworks builds game boats in three sizes, 34, 43 and 46 feet. The first boat will be unveiled at the Miami Boat Show in February of…