On August 20 during their annual coldwater survey, DEC’s Lake Erie Fisheries Research Unit staff captured a 36 inch, 21 pound lake trout. What was incredible wasn’t the size of the fish, but the age – the coded wire tag revealed the fish to be 35 years old! This is the oldest recorded lake trout in the history of the 39-year survey, being stocked from shore off Barcelona Harbor, NY in the spring of 1986. To see a fish reach this size is exciting, but finding out that this lake trout has been swimming around Lake Erie for over 30 years, avoiding anglers and surviving numerous attacks by sea lampreys is truly remarkable!

Tracker Marine has announced availability of their popular 175 TXW all-welded aluminum bass boat in an electric-powered model.

The company says the two-battery version will go about 20 miles at up to 24 mph with a full charge. The outboard itself, from Pure Watercraft, looks sort of like the lower unit of a standard outboard, without the powerhead. The batteries put out 350 volts each, and are rated to survive about 1500 cycles of recharging.

Reportedly the high-capacity batteries can go from half to full charge in 90 minutes with the included onboard charger.

While the rig would not be suitable for large bass lakes where long runs are typical, for smaller lakes and rivers it might well gain traction. The company promises low maintenance, very little noise and of course you never have to visit the gas station, while at the same time doing good things for air quality.

Base price is $24,000 with the single battery model, which has a lower range than the dual battery version. The package includes single-axle trailer, 12-volt Minn Kota troller with separate battery and Lowrance HOOK2 depthfinder. No word on how soon these boats will actually be sitting in your driveway, but a $500 refundable deposit gets you in line to own one.

See details here: https://www.purewatercraft.com/product/tracker-pro-team-175-txw-bass-boat.

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KENNESAW, Ga.– The “Get in the Hunt” offer from Yamaha Marine gives customers continued incentive to purchase new Yamaha four-stroke outboards between Sept. 15, 2020, and Nov. 6, 2020.

Yamaha Marine’s “Get in the Hunt” offers repower customers zero down and rates as low as 3.99 percent APR for up to 180 months when they purchase eligible new Yamaha four-stroke outboards between Sept. 15, 2020, and Nov. 6, 2020. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Low interest rates for an extended period of time make buying now an easy decision for many repower customers,” said Dale Barnes, Division Manager, Marketing, Yamaha Marine Engine Systems. “With this offer, there’s no stopping customers from enjoying the fall season on the water.”

“Get in the Hunt” applies to eligible, new Yamaha four-stroke outboards** and gives customers the option to put zero down and qualify for financing rates as low as 3.99 percent APR for up to 180 months* when they purchase from authorized, participating Yamaha Outboard Full Line (repower) dealers. The offer requires a minimum of $3,000 in finance amount and is effective for eligible four-stroke outboards purchased and warranty registered between Sept. 15, 2020, and Nov. 6, 2020. Read more

The abundant amount of Chinook and coho salmon produced in the Betsie and Platte rivers every September – known as “fall fish runs” – draws anglers eager for this unique fishing opportunity in northwest Michigan. Unfortunately, the season also attracts illegal fishing activity and community disruption, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are working with local property and business owners to correct the situation.

Conservation officers are conducting enhanced patrols to reduce the illegal fishing, camping and parking, trespassing, littering and loud and abusive behavior.

“Local businesses and communities open their doors and welcome anglers every fall,” said Lt. Joe Molnar, the DNR’s district law supervisor who oversees officers in northwest Michigan. “Many people treat the area and fishing resources with care and respect, but those who live and work in these communities are tired of those who continue to snag fish, litter and exhibit poor behavior.”

Snagging is an illegal method of catching a fish using hooks, without the fish having taken the bait with its mouth. Read more on page 9 of the 2020 Fishing Guide.

Last September, conservation officers worked more than 900 hours and made 3,875 contacts in 14 days patrolling the fall fish runs in northwest Michigan. Read more

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that it is making approximately $530 million available to assist U.S. fishermen impacted by retaliatory tariffs through the Seafood Trade Relief Program. This program is funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation and will be administered by the Farm Service Agency. Fishermen can sign-up for relief through the program from September 14, 2020, to December 14, 2020. Fishermen should apply through their local USDA Service Center. Fishermen must hold a valid federal or state license or permit to qualify. Online applications will be available on Sept. 14.

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico.