Category: Fishing

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

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
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