Category: 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

Michigan: DNR Donates Poached fish to Manistee County Families

DNR donates over 460 pounds of poached fish to Manistee County families; out-of-state group faces over $4,000 in restitution

An angler’s tip helped Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers recover more than 460 pounds of illegally taken salmon from an out-of-state fishing group on the Manistee River this week. The group went away with far less than they caught, while the officers were able to safely donate the poached fish to local families in Manistee County.

“There is a large amount of coho and Chinook salmon running the local rivers this time of year, attracting anglers from across the country to be a part of one of Michigan’s finest fishing adventures,” said the DNR’s Sgt. Grant Emery. “While we’ve seen a decrease in illegal fishing activity over the years, unfortunately, we still run into illegal and unconventional methods.”

Conservation Officers Josiah Killingbeck, who patrols Lake County, and Scott MacNeill, who patrols Manistee County, were conducting a fish patrol Tuesday along the Manistee River, near the Tippy Dam in Dickson Township when an angler approached and informed them about a group downriver using illegal methods and equipment to take fish. Read more

Fishing, Poachers

BoatUS: How to Recover Your Boat After a Hurricane

SPRINGFIELD, Va. – With the remnants of Hurricane Ian heading off into the Atlantic, boat owners in Florida, Georgia, South and North Carolina are starting recovery efforts. To help those affected, Boat Owners Association of These United States (BoatUS) offers five tips to help recover recreational vessels and begin the salvage process.

“The goal for any boat owner is to try to prevent further damage if possible,” said BoatUS vice president of public affairs Scott Croft. “That will help potentially lessen repairs and get you back on the water sooner.”

  1. Get permission first. Never try to enter a storm-affected marina or boat storage facility without it. Bring proof of ownership. Spilled fuel combined with the potential of downed electrical wires and a host of other hazards make them extremely dangerous places. Don’t even think of smoking. Stay off docks until it is safe to do so and never climb in or on boats that have piled up together or are dangling precariously from dock pilings or other obstructions.
  2. Remove valuables. If your boat has washed ashore, remove as much equipment as possible and move it to a safe place to protect it from looters and vandals. It’s a good idea to put your name, telephone number, address and email somewhere conspicuously on the boat – along with a “No Trespassing” sign.
  3. Minimize further damage. Protect your boat from further water damage resulting from exposure to the weather. This could include covering it with a tarp or boarding up broken windows or hatches. As soon as possible, start drying out the boat, either by taking advantage of sunny weather or using electric air handlers. All wet materials, such as cushions, must be removed and saved for a potential insurance claim. The storm may be gone, but the clock is ticking on mold growth.
  4. “Pickle” wet machinery. Engines and other machinery that were submerged or have gotten wet should be “pickled” by flushing with freshwater and then filled with diesel fuel or kerosene. Here’s how.
  5. Consult your insurance provider. If your boat is sunk or must be moved by a salvage company, BoatUS recommends that boat owners should not sign any salvage or wreck-removal contract without first getting approval from their insurance company. Proceeding without your insurer’s knowledge and approval may jeopardize your coverage.

Additional post-hurricane boat recovery tips can be found here.

Fishing

Safari Club International Foundation Commits $75k For Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation’s Wildlife Conservation Education

GoOTF

DALLAS –Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation, the leading provider of outdoor skill, safety and conservation curriculum to schools nationwide, will receive $75,000 from Safari Club International Foundation to support OTF’s Wildlife Conservation Unit in its Outdoor Adventures program in middle and high schools nationwide.

As part of its mission to protect the freedom to hunt and promote wildlife conservation worldwide, SCI Foundation has committed $25,000 in support per year for each of the coming three years.

“Safari Club International Foundation plays a vital role in protecting the future of hunting and wildlife through conservation and education,” said Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation Chairman Kyle Shidler. “At OTF, we’re educating the next generation of men and women who love the outdoors and want to see it protected. SCIF’s forward-looking generosity will significantly help us educate students across the country as to the importance of wildlife conservation.” Read more

Fishing, Hunting

National Hunting and Fishing Day’s 50th Anniversary a Good Time to Take Stock

Anniversaries are always a good time to take stock. Saturday, September 24, marks the 50th anniversary of National Hunting and Fishing Day. Were it not for two important conservation laws, there might not be much to celebrate in the out-of-doors today.

The Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson) became law in 1937, requiring firearms and ammunition manufacturers’ excise taxes on select goods to fund conservation. Congress added archery gear to the mix 50 years ago. The Sport Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson) did the same for fishing tackle, coming along in 1950. The two laws combined have done more for conservation and fishing and hunting than one can fully comprehend.

Right out of the chute in 1937, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources put Pittman-Robertson funds on the ground in what is today’s Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area in the Great Salt Lake. That piece of public land provides an enormous amount of waterfowl habitat—and public hunting opportunity. The bar had been set high from the start, and a cascade of successes followed through the years. Earlier this year, Pittman-Robertson funds paid for the acquisition of the 84-sqaure-mile L-Bar Ranch in northern New Mexico adding to and quadrupling the size of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish’s Marquez Wildlife Management Area—public land where rocky mountain elk, mule deer, and Merriam’s wild turkey abound. Read more

Fishing, Hunting

Oh, My Hunt!

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

Having had a great experience at the Rifle River Recreation Area in Ogemaw County earlier this year, I made sure to reserve a primitive campsite – in fact, the same one used in May – but this time for Michigan’s small game opener plus a bit of fishing.  It is a special time of year, because the final two weeks of stream trout fishing is combined with the beginning of hunting season.  Another trout breakfast will suit me fine,

Eating Like a King

but how would one locate good habitat for bushytails?

Planning a hunting trip to a new area has never been as exciting as it is today thanks to Mi-HUNT.  This eye-opening site is beyond my wildest imagination with its educational offerings that display approximate boundaries of public and private-land hunting.  Unlike my county maps I’ve carried with me for decades, Mi-HUNT has up-to-date information on not only roads, trails, recreational facilities, etc., but cover types.

It is the feature of cover types that really separates Mi-HUNT from conventional printed maps.  With color-coded features one can locate the following habitat:  Aspen, Oak, Upland Deciduous, Upland Conifer, Grass, Shrubs, Crops, Wetlands, Bogs, Lowland Conifers, Lowland Deciduous, Rock, Sand and Soil.  That about covers it for Michigan habitat types, but it gets much more interesting – especially for the squirrel hunter in me that requires mature nut trees.

Once oaks are located on the map, actual dates when trees were planted in specific areas can be determined with a click on the “identify” icon.  It shows nine levels of growth from low-density saplings to high-density logs along with the year of origin and the total acres involved.  (Private property is excluded from this feature.)  Can you believe that I’ve located high-density-log oaks planted in the year 1889?  Many are dated to the early 1900s, as well, and it all spells bushytails to me.

Oaks, Vintage Mossberg .22 Rimfire and Sub-Sonic Lapua Ammo: a recipe for success.

Once habitat is located on the map, the issue of actually getting to the site can be determined by the extensive mapping of various trail types including hiking, horseback, motorcycle, and ATV and UTV approved.

For those that may require help navigating the site, several YouTube videos are available for reference:  quickstart for desktop and laptops, quickstart for mobile users, and showcasing the identify tool – all accessible from the Mi-HUNT site.  These videos were updated in 2014 and demonstrate the versatility of accessing detailed information.

Additional features including aerial imagery show roads, lakes, rivers and hybrid imagery.  If you are familiar with Google Earth, some aerial photos can hide certain terrain, if the particular photo was taken when leaves were on the trees.  However, “leaf off” views are available with another click that shows imagery acquired in 1998 with color-infrared film.

Long ago, when the yellow pages of the phonebook were relatively new, its slogan was “Let your fingers do the walking” and never before has the sage advice become more appropriate than today.  I can only wonder what Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lieutenant William Clark would think of such technology, as they followed the stars and mapped their journey across the country.

Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife

Michigan DNR begins fall walleye surveys in September

Beginning in late September through early October, anglers throughout the state are asked to be on the lookout for Michigan Department of Natural Resources personnel conducting walleye recruitment surveys – a tool that helps fisheries managers determine how many walleye either were produced naturally or survived stocking in 2022 (commonly referred to as a given year’s “young-of-year” fish).

Using electrofishing boats, crews will survey the shallow areas near the shoreline of lakes at night with the goal of capturing young-of-year walleye. On larger lakes, two or more electrofishing crews using separate boats may operate at the same time to cover more area.

The crews will work both on lakes that have been stocked with walleye and lakes that have not.

“Conducting surveys on both stocked and unstocked lakes can affect decisions about future walleye research and stocking efforts and give valuable insight into the status of the younger walleye in the system,” said Emily Martin, DNR Fisheries Division biologist.

Biologists also will collect and keep a sample of young-of-year walleye from stocked lakes to determine whether the primary source of reproduction is natural or stocked. Many walleye that are stocked are marked with oxytetracycline, a chemical marker that can be observed within captured fish by using a microscope with an ultraviolet light source in a laboratory setting. Read more

Fishing
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