On Thursday, March 3, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) officers onboard the FWC’s Gulf Sentry, an offshore patrol vessel, conducted a resource inspection on a commercial shrimping vessel that was determined to be operating illegally just south of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa Bay. The vessel, named the Dona Lupa, and its crew were from Port Isabel, Texas.

During their inspection, officers discovered more than 11,000 pounds of shrimp, valued at more than $30,000, and several pounds of cobia fillets in the vessel’s freezer. Upon further inspection, officers also discovered turtle-excluder device (TED) violations.

“Our officers remain committed to stopping these illegal commercial shrimping trips,” said Major Rob Rowe, FWC Southwest Regional Commander. “Florida’s resources must be protected from illegal harvest, and our specially trained officers are dedicated to ensuring that these illegal commercial vessel operators are cited accordingly.” Read more

Retuned, redefined and reimagined flagship bass boat celebrates Ranger’s proud heritage

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Ranger Boats is proud to announce the newest addition to its legendary lineup of world-class bass boats, the Ranger Z521R. Ranger’s deep-rooted passion for perfection has continually set the bar for the industry, and this newest flagship boat elevates that tradition to new heights. The all-new Ranger Z521R offers a best-in-class experience for the most dedicated bass anglers.

The Ranger Z521R was unveiled at the 2022 BASSMASTER Classic at Lake Hartwell, S.C. For more than 50 years, the iconic BASSMASTER Classic has been one of the premier tournaments of professional sportfishing and holds a special significance for all fans of bass fishing. The features of last year’s Ranger Z520R model made it the most pre-ordered Ranger boat in history. From bow to stern, the technology, dependability and excellence from Ranger have made the Z521R an instant classic.

Features of the Ranger Z521R

Combining legendary Ranger craftsmanship with next-generation technology, the Ranger Z521R offers the most capable canvas for anglers to build their custom dream machine. Inside and out, the Z521R is built to deliver time and time again.

In the Z521R, the exclusive Ranger RIDE system is standard and pairs with unshakable strength and quality. Twin electronics options at the console, an improved bow panel and an industry-first push-to-start ignition makes the Z521R complete with the best in marine technology.

The ultimate tackle box, the Z521R boasts expanded storage complete with innovative layered-shelf rod boxes, enlarged day box, 10-gallon double-wall cooler, and integrated net stow behind the driver’s seat. When it comes to power, the Z521R is equipped with lithium batteries, the latest trolling motors and up to 300HP that delivers best-in-class performance and fishability. Staying on the water all day has never been easier thanks to redesigned NASCAR-inspired seating, a performance-driven hull, and wireless phone charger in the center coin box. Read more

By Etta Pettijohn

Confirming the public’s right to access streams that flow through private property, the New Mexico Supreme Court (NMSC) earlier this month determined a state wildlife agency rule allowing landowners to restrict such right of entry is unconstitutional.

Several western states are seeking courts’ opinions on the public’s right to float or wade through navigable streams that flow through private property. In New Mexico, the court has confirmed recreationists’ rights to use “non-navigational” streams, providing the user doesn’t trespass public land surrounding the body of water.

In 2015 legislators, by a one-vote margin, amended the New Mexico trespass law, barring the public from wading in streams running through private property without written permission from the landowner. Three months later the state Fish and Game Commission (NMFGC) established a rule allowing landowners to certify these streambeds as “non-navigable,” declare them as private property and fence the public out.

Three New Mexico Attorney Generals have over time concurred that a 1945 NMSC decision in “State Game Commission vs. Red River Cattle Co.” allows the public to utilize streams and streambeds where they run through private property, providing they don’t trespass onto adjoining private land. Read more

Learn various strategies and techniques for chasing Michigan’s “chrome torpedoes” from the DNR Outdoor Skills Academy’s pro-staff with upcoming steelhead fishing clinics March 19-20 and April 2-3 at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac.

This two-day clinic will run 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to noon Sunday. The classroom portion will be at the park’s Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, and then Sunday morning the class will hit the water for instructors to show students how to fish and what to look for on the beautiful Manistee River.

Feel free to bring your own gear, if possible, or if you’re new to steelheading, some equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Tuesday prior to the class, we will have a Zoom meeting to go over gear and how to rig. Read more

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that ice shanty removal dates are quickly approaching – starting with Lake St. Clair this Sunday – and to always use extreme caution when on the ice.

Regardless of the set removal dates, changing ice conditions could require the removal of fishing shanties before those dates. This is a possibility every year, because all shanties must be removed once ice can no longer safely support them.

Shanty owners whose structures fall through the ice are subject to penalties of up to 30 days in jail, fines up to $500, or both. If a shanty is removed by a government agency, the court can require the owner to reimburse that agency for up to three times the cost of removal.

Lower Peninsula

Ice shanties on Lake St. Clair, located northeast of Detroit, must be removed before sunset Sunday, Feb. 20. Read more

As spring draws closer, Michigan anglers are encouraged to purchase a 2022 fishing license when they go on sale Tuesday, March 1. The new license season begins April 1, and the 2022 fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2023. Licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. By purchasing a fishing license online, anglers will have the opportunity to sign up for auto-renewal through the DNR eLicense system. Read more

Anglers are advised to not fish immediately below the Sanford Dam in Midland County due to construction work occurring on the dam, which has the potential to change water currents, destabilize the ice and alter water conditions.

The Sanford Dam is located on the Tittabawassee River approximately 11 miles upstream of Midland. Construction is being organized by the Four Lakes Task Force to stabilize the dam after the damage caused by the May 2020 flood and dam breach. The stabilized dam will be safer and send less sediment downstream. The stabilization project will continue through June 2022. When Sanford Dam is fully rebuilt, there will be another construction period during which anglers could be advised of dangerous conditions. Read more