Category: Fishing

Grow your appreciation for Michigan’s inland lakes with Introduction to Lakes Online course

Lakes hold a special place in our hearts – no matter if you’re a Michigander born and raised, or a visitor to the Great Lakes State – and can provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visiting natural areas can improve mood, reduce stress and boost immune systems.

Whether you live on a lake, frequent a secret fishing spot or escape the daily grind on a camping trip to a serene lake in the woods, lakes provide irreplaceable benefits to our mental and physical health and deserve our appreciation and attention.

Michigan State University Extension is offering a unique opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of inland lakes with enrollment in the Introduction to Lakes Online course, a nationally recognized, award-winning, six-week class in a convenient, self-paced online format. The course is designed for anyone who has a passion or curiosity for inland lakes, including lakefront property owners, local government officials, lake managers and educators. Course instructors include MSU Extension educators and state agency personnel.

Registration and course information

The course kicks off Jan. 10, and runs through March 3. Registration is open now through Jan. 8, with an early-bird discount of $95 per person if registered by Dec. 19. Scholarships are available. Registration information is available on the Introduction to Lakes Online course webpage.

Since the course was first offered online in 2015, more than 1,500 people across the country have taken it. Participants consistently praise the content and interactions they have with instructors and other students. Read more

Fishing

Valley Tieless Fishing Tackle’s EZ Clasp

Valley Tieless Fishing Tackle’s EZ Clasp Is a Simple Solution to Tying Lures and Terminal Tackle on Your Line

TIPLER, Wis. (Nov. 8, 2022) – Attaching lures and other terminal tackle securely to your fishing line is foundational to successful angling. Yet for many, the process can be as difficult as threading a needle in poor light. It doesn’t have to be that way anymore. Valley Tieless Fishing Tackle has a simple solution – the EZ Clasp and EZ Clasp Mini.

The EZ Clasp and EZ Clasp Mini are ideal for casual anglers, the visually handicapped, young and novice anglers, people with large hands, the elderly experiencing age-related sight problems – or anyone who desires a quick, easy, and effective way to attach terminal tackle to their fishing line.

The EZ Clasp has two great benefits. First, it is easy to attach to 8-10 lb.-diameter braided line using the tieless end. No fishing knot is required! And second, it is also easy to attach a lure, barrel swivel, or similar terminal tackle using the EZ Clasp end, which allows for a lure or terminal tackle to be attached without the complicated clasp. Presto! You’re done quickly and efficiently. It also makes it easy to quickly change lures. And using the EZ Clasp will not adversely affect the lure’s action. Read more

Fishing

Ohio: Mussel Survey of Olentangy River Yields Two Endangered Species

Live snuffbox mussel discovered in the Olentangy by Dr. Hoggarth in September of this year.
Original freshly dead specimens of the snuffbox mussel Epioblasma triquetra discovered by Dr. Hoggarth in the Olentangy River in June of this year.

Mussel Survey of Olentangy River Yields Two Federally Endangered Species
First survey of the scenic river in more than 30 years.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – In the first survey of its kind in more than three decades, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Natural Areas and Preserves (DNAP) Scenic Rivers Program has discovered two federally endangered mussel species in the Olentangy State Scenic River. The survey, funded by the Scenic Rivers Program, was conducted this summer.

“It’s exciting when we find wildlife in our Ohio waterways that we thought were gone, especially considering the decline of the freshwater mussels,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “These surveys and discoveries like this, help us take the necessary steps to protect these species and their habitats.”

The last survey was done in 1990. Dr. Michael Hoggarth of Otterbein University conducted that survey and the most recent one. He and his team focused on the Olentangy River from the headwaters to the confluence with the Scioto River. In July, they found two shells of recently deceased freshwater mussels at a location on the Olentangy River in Marion County above Delaware Reservoir. The shells indicated there may be living specimens of the federally endangered snuffbox Epioblasma triquetra. When the group returned in September, they found a living specimen of the snuffbox and a freshly dead specimen of the federally endangered rayed bean Villosa fabalis. The last time either was found in this section of the river was at least 60 years ago. Read more

Fishing, Wildlife

Michigan DNR secures $5 million grant from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s America the Beautiful Challenge

Michigan is one of six applicants to get maximum funding; the grant will support critical conservation and connectivity work on rivers and streams in 14 counties

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation recently announced the recipients of the inaugural America the Beautiful Challenge, a $1 billion grant program launched in May to fund diverse, landscape-level conservation projects. Michigan has been awarded $5 million, to be administered by the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

“Michigan’s natural resources are some of the best in the nation, and we will work with anyone to preserve them for future generations,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “These federal grants for our inland waterways will help us protect several at-risk species, reduce risks to public safety and improve climate resiliency. Let’s keep working together to ensure that all our waters, from the Great Lakes that define us to our thousands of inland waterways, are safe for decades to come.”

Michigan’s award will fund removal of 27 stream barriers to restore the passage of fish and other aquatic organisms. Additionally, this work will benefit several at-risk species, such as the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, pickerel frog, and freshwater mussel species including the fluted shell and elktoe.

The DNR will partner with local organizations and federally recognized tribes to reconnect nearly 200 upstream miles of rivers and streams, working toward improved climate resiliency and river connectivity and easier passage of aquatic organisms between and within waterways. Such restoration projects also help eliminate risks to public safety, especially for those sites that have road traffic moving over the waterways.

Partners include the Conservation Resource Alliance, Huron Pines, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Michigan Trout Unlimited, the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, the Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service.

The streams that will benefit from the America the Beautiful Challenge grant are located in 14 counties across Michigan:

  • Twin Lakes Creek (Cheboygan County)
  • Au Sable River (Crawford County)
  • Carr Creek (Delta County)
  • Dana Lake (Delta County)
  • Little Bay de Noc (Delta County)
  • Wycamp Creek (Emmet County)
  • Two Mile Creek (Gogebic County)
  • Boardman/Ottaway rivers (Grand Traverse County)
  • North Branch Cole Creek (Lake County)
  • Spring Creek (Luce County)
  • McAlpine Creek (Mackinac County)
  • Silver Lead Creek (Marquette County)
  • Little Muskegon River (Mecosta County)
  • Buckhorn Creek (Mecosta County)
  • Stony Creek (Oceana County)
  • East Branch Big Creek (Oscoda County)
  • Au Sable River (Oscoda County)
  • Hayden Creek (Van Buren County)

DNR Director Dan Eichinger said the America the Beautiful Challenge support will go a long way toward improving water and fish flow, critical to healthy rivers and streams.

“Put simply, fish and other organisms in the water need to move,” Eichinger said. “Throughout their many life stages, whether they’re seeking food, reproducing, hiding from predators or seeking shelter from extreme conditions, fish have to be able to easily move within their waters, as well as between bodies of water. Removing barriers to such movement means we can better protect fish populations.”

Earlier this year, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation established the America the Beautiful Challenge with a vision to streamline and centralize a nationwide grant-funding opportunity that would leverage federal conservation and restoration investments with private and philanthropic contributions to accelerate land, water and wildlife conservation efforts across the country.

Michigan was one of six applicants awarded the maximum grant amount of $5 million.

More information about this National Fish and Wildlife Foundation program – including a full list of grants awarded to states, U.S. territories and tribal nations, and project descriptions – is available at nfwf.org/programs/america-beautiful-challenge.

To learn more about how Michigan manages fisheries for current and future generations, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing.

Contact: Patrick Ertel (DNR), 989-370-1163

Fishing

MidwayUSA Cyber Week Sale Starts Today

COLUMBIA, MO –

MidwayUSA is pleased to announce the kickoff of their 2022 Cyber Week Sale. Starting today, Monday November 21 through Monday November 28, Customers can expect deep discounts on popular Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor products. This year, the MidwayUSA Cyber Week Sale features great deals on select hunting clothing, shooting gear, ammunition, optics and more from brands like MidwayUSA, Magpul, IMI, Leupold, and Vortex just to name a few. Select products will also be eligible for FREE SHIPPING!

“Cyber Week is our biggest sale of the year, featuring our best deals and deepest discounts,” said Adam Augustine, VP of eCommerce. “Our team has put together a fantastic event. MidwayUSA’s Cyber Week Sale is the perfect time to find gifts for yourself and your family for the holidays.”

In addition to the Cyber Week Sale, this year’s MidwayUSA Cyber Week Sweepstakes runs from 11/16 to 11/30. Visit www.midwayUSA.com/sweepstakes and enter for your chance to win $1000.00 in midwayusa.com gift certificates (Total ARV: $1,000.00)! Read more

Ammunition, Archery, Cutlery, Firearms, Fishing, Optics

Florida: Trophy Catch Program to Give Away 10th New Bass Boat

Ahoy, anglers! One lucky person will soon take home a brand-new bass boat package during a live, random drawing at the Bobby Lane High School Cup Bass Fishing Tournament in Lake Wales on Dec. 3. Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) TrophyCatch program, this will be the 10th boat given away by the program, in celebration of a decade of success.

The boat package is made possible by conservation partnerships with industry leaders: Phoenix Bass Boats donated the Pro 819 vessel, which is powered by a 200 horsepower Mercury Marine motor, supported by MotorMate, guided by Lowrance HDLive electronics and Ghost Trolling Motor, and anchored by Power-Pole Shallow Water Anchor System.

“This $65,000 boat package is a truly sweet ride,” said Thomas Graef, director of FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management. “And It’s made a reality only by the generous contributions of partners such as Phoenix Bass Boats, Mercury and others who share our passion for bass fishing and bass conservation. It is incredible to be able to reward our participants with such a great prize for contributing to TrophyCatch.”

Earlier this year, TrophyCatch partner WrapThis let anglers vote on four different boat wrap colors to pick the one they liked best. A wrap design was applied to the Phoenix boat and was displayed throughout the season at events around the state and the winning color will be revealed, adding an exciting new twist for this year’s winner. Read more

Fishing

Sickle Darter Protected Under Endangered Species Act

Sickle Darter. Credit: Conservation Fisheries Inc. Image is available for media use.

Contact:Will Harlan, (828) 230-6818, WHarlan@biologicaldiversity.org

Sickle Darter Protected as Threatened Under Endangered Species Act

Fish Imperiled by Pollution, Dams in Tennessee, Virginia

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— In response to a 2010 petition and 2015 agreement with the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced a final rule to protect the sickle darter as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. But in today’s decision, the agency failed to designate critical habitat for the fish.

“It’s tragically too late for the sickle darter in the watershed where I live, the French Broad River, but with protections in place, we can still save this rare fish in other rivers,” said Will Harlan, a senior campaigner and staff scientist at the Center. “So many folks get their drinking water from or just have fun on the Appalachian rivers where these fish live, so saving this big, beautiful darter will also help a lot of people.” Read more

Animal Rights, Fishing

Johnny Morris Announces New Oceanfront Resort in Florida Keys

Noted conservationist shares plans for major nature-based fishing resort in the Sport Fishing Capital of the World!

Johnny Morris was joined by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for the official announcement of the Valhalla Island Resort. Left to right: Florida DEO Sec.
Dane Eagle, Morris, Gov. DeSantis, and Rep. Jim Mooney

Morris envisions Valhalla Island Resort as a new model for low-impact, sustainable design in the Florida KeysImage

MARATHON, Fla. – Johnny Morris presented plans for the oceanfront Valhalla Island Resort development before an audience that included Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and key leaders of the Florida Keys recreational fishing and conservation communities. Valhalla Island is the largest resort property anywhere in the Florida Keys. It includes more than 175 acres and more than a mile of breathtaking beachfront property, located just 15 minutes from the Marathon International Airport, a two-hour drive from Miami and just over an hour from Key West. Plans for the resort involve maintaining over 50% of the property’s green space.

For over 30 years now, Morris has been assembling Valhalla Island. Much of Johnny’s inspiration to develop the resort came from the legendary Long Key Fishing Camp. Founded in 1908 by Henry Flagler, the Long Key Fishing Camp was largely responsible for establishing the Florida Keys’ position of prominence on the sportfishing landscape. Read more

Fishing

Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Economic Impact Study

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in western Lake Erie are causing millions of dollars in lost economic activity annually from Michigan anglers, charter captains, boaters and business owners.

The study estimates $2.4 to 5.9 million dollars in lost revenue for the Michigan portion of Lake Erie alone. On average, anglers said they canceled five trips in 2019 due to HABs.

Anglers cited potential negative health effects, inability to consume fish and boat or equipment damage as reasons the algal blooms have kept them away. Two-thirds said they decided not to fish at least once in 2019 because of HABs.

MUCC Executive Director, Amy Trotter, addresses members of the media and fellow stakeholders about harmful algal blooms and the impact it has on Lake Erie as well as Michigan’s anglers on Oct. 27, 2022.

The study, commissioned by Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and undertaken by Michigan State University researchers with support from the C.S. Mott Foundation and private donations, aims to understand what impacts blooms are having on recreational anglers, fishing activity and their economic impacts, said Amy Trotter, MUCC executive director. Read more

Fishing, Wildlife

Al’s Fly Line Eyelets

ELIOT, Maine (Oct. 25, 2022) -Connecting your leader to your fly line using a conventional knot can result in a bulky knot that can scare fish away when it splashes the water, or gets tangled in the rod’s guides at the absolute wrong time. The solution is simple: Al’s Fly Line Eyelets.

This simple no-knot eyelet removes the need to use a connection knot. Al’s Fly Line Eyelets are easy to use and provide a secure hold, making rigging your fly line a simple process for just about anyone. You simply insert the product into the core of your fly line – it only takes a few seconds — and it then provides a tight-holding loop for attaching your leader. It’s secure, and will not affect the presentation of your fly.

Al’s Fly Line Eyelets come in economical 15 packs, in two sizes – Small, for 3, 4, and 5 weight fly lines, and Large, for 6, 7, 8, 9 weight fly lines. Suggested retail price is $4.99 per pack. For more information or to order, visit https://www.alsgoldfish.com/Fly-Line-Eyelets-p/fls.htm. Or visit https://www.alsgoldfish.com/ for more information on the company’s complete lineup of award-winning lures, FX Rods, and accessories.

Fishing
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