Representative Simpson rolls out multi-billion-dollar proposal to revolutionize the Snake River Alexandria, VA –– On February 6, U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) released an ambitious proposal to overhaul the hydrology of the Lower Snake River and provide support for the numerous industries reliant on the river system. According to the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the congressman’s proposal shows his continued commitment to tackling the region’s problematic infrastructure and restoring the rapidly declining salmon populations.

Rep. Simpson notes that the four Lower Snake River Dams, long targeted for removal by conservation groups including ASA, provide significant benefits for energy, transportation, agriculture and communities in the region. However, salmon and steelhead runs have continued to decline over the past 50 years despite $17 billion invested in fish recovery efforts. Simpson notes that there are three drivers significantly impacting salmon and steelhead in the state: poor ocean conditions, rising global temperatures and the four Lower Snake River Dams. The multi-billion-dollar proposal includes breaching these dams and funding a comprehensive array of mitigation measures for energy, agriculture, tourism, tribes and other interests. Read more

Winter weather is the perfect opportunity to cuddle up with your loved ones, but you don’t have to stay inside to have an awesome Valentine’s Day weekend! Take your valentine fishing during Free Fishing Weekend, Feb. 13-14.

Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy world-class fishing – without a fishing license – on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species. Just keep in mind that all fishing regulations still apply.

The Recreation Passport fee for vehicle entry into state parks and boating access sites also is waived during this weekend. Read more

For two days twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan’s premier outdoor activities – fishing – for free!

This year’s winter Free Fishing Weekend dates are Feb. 13 and 14. Read more

$30,000 in cash prizes on the line for best solutions

SPRINGFIELD, Va. – Winter is annual maintenance time for many anglers, and respooling with new line and recycling the old is a common task. Ever thought about what happens once you dispose of the old line in a fishing line recycling tube?

It’s not pretty. Turning fishing line into new products is labor-intensive, requiring a series of workers to manually comb through, sort, clean, remove hooks and weights, and separate out miles of encrusted debris in entangled fishing line. So as you pile up a few reels of line to be recycled this winter, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is asking for your ideas on how to help grow the volume of line recycled each year. Read more

Also adds new flush, side-mount Digital Electronic Control (DEC) for Helm Master® EX, Saltwater Series II™ HP propellers to product line

KENNESAW, Ga.– Yamaha Marine kicks off 2021 with brand new product offerings including updated V6 Offshore outboards that combine new benefits with a reliable performance legacy. The new F250 and F300 V6 Offshore Digital Electronic Control (DEC) models boast built-in Digital Electric Steering (DES), Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust (TERE) and other XTO Offshore®-inspired features.

“The new, updated F300 and F250 4.2-liter V6 Offshore outboards now have many of the benefits previously only available on the XTO Offshore. Combining a high performance, big block V6 engine featuring outstanding power and fuel efficiency, Yamaha brings new levels of convenience and control to a proven performer,” said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “The introduction of these outboards in addition to a new flush, side-mount DEC for Helm Master EX and Saltwater Series II HP propellers allows Yamaha to start the year with new innovative products that meet customer demand.”

New Yamaha V6 Offshore

The same smooth, fast and precise Digital Electric Steering (DES) introduced on the XTO Offshore is now built-in to F300 and F250 V6 variants. The latest boat steering technology provides smooth, fast steering and, unlike some conventional steering systems, draws battery amperage only when actively in use. DES is significantly easier to rig than conventional steering systems and creates an uncluttered bilge with no steering pumps, hoses, hydraulic lines or connections, no bleeding procedure, less complexity and straightforward serviceability. There’s also a bolt-on version of DES for conventional DEC models of the new V6 Offshore. Read more

COEUR D’ ALENE, Idaho (January 25, 2021) – Billy Chapman, Jr. founder and

owner of Anglers Inn International, has announced the implementation of a COVID-

19 testing program that satisfies CDC International Travel Requirements. The

testing program will allow Anglers Inn customers to board their flights to return

home after enjoying their great angling experience.

“On January 12 th the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) instituted a new

policy requiring all air passengers entering the United States to obtain a negative

COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their flight’s departure to the U.S,” explained

Chapman. Read more

Eager for the chance to catch one of Michigan’s most unique fish? The lake sturgeon season on Black Lake in Cheboygan County begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, and registration is open until Feb. 5.

A new online registration processis required to participate, as well as a current Michigan fishing license for anyone 17 or older. Anglers must certify that they understand and will abide by the rules and safety requirements.

The catch quota this year is six lake sturgeon total. In the past, the season quota often has been met within the first day – sometimes in just a few hours! However, the season will last until the sixth fish is harvested, or five fish have been harvested at the end of any day from Feb. 6-10. Daily season fishing hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the season will end at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, or when one of the two scenarios previously mentioned is met.

Anglers will receive text messages announcing the beginning of the season, and as each fish is harvested until the season closes. Read more

Anglers must register online to participate

The 2021 lake sturgeon season on Black Lake in Cheboygan County will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. All anglers must register online to participate in this season. The total 2021 season allocation on Black Lake is seven lake sturgeon. However, to reduce the chance of exceeding this allocation, officials will close the season when one of two scenarios occurs: The sixth fish is harvested. Five fish have been harvested at the end of any fishing day. Fishing hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day of the season. The season will end either at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10, or when one of the above scenarios is met, at which point anglers will be notified via text message and on the ice by DNR personnel that they must immediately stop fishing for lake sturgeon. Participating anglers age 17 or older must have a valid Michigan fishing license. Read more

Boaters can earn up to $2,000 back when they purchase select new electronics during the Raymarine Big Splash Sales Event

While North American boaters are preparing their vessels for the upcoming season, Raymarine® and FLIR are making it easier than ever for them to upgrade to new marine electronics. The Big Splash Sales Event offers rebates up to $2,000 on qualifying new Raymarine and FLIR products purchased now through April 4, 2021. The more customers spend, the bigger the rebate. The deals—and the timing—couldn’t be better. Read more