Raymarine Introduces Cyclone™ Solid-State CHIRP Pulse Compression Radars

Striking form, extreme capability, and ruggedness are the hallmarks of this next-generation open-array radar

Nashua NH- October 26th, 2021 – Raymarine announces Cyclone™, the newest range of open-array radars, conceived and crafted to give mariners the confidence to tackle the harshest conditions, gain distinct advantages in the hunt for fish, and safely navigate busy waterways. All-new Cyclone radars are available in 3-, 4- and 6-foot arrays and two high-power output options for each size. Each model features innovative detection technologies, including Cyclone Bird Mode, that elevates Cyclone into a class all its own.

INSERT VIDEO – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhTJwV05E0o

Cutting-Edge Design Read more

Michigan: nearly $1.6 million in grant funding available for fisheries and aquatic resources

Project preproposals are due Nov. 12

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is offering nearly $1.6 million in funding for a variety of activities tied to improving state fisheries and aquatic resources, including fish habitat conservation, dam removal and repair, resource assessment studies and providing access to recreation.

Distributed through three themes – aquatic habitat conservation, dam management, and aquatic habitat and recreation in the Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon river watersheds – Fisheries Habitat Grant funding is available through an open, competitive process to local, state, federal and tribal governments and nonprofit groups. Read more

Johnny Morris Announces Happy Fishin’ Contest for Kids

Prizes include 10 new Bass Tracker Classic XL boat, motor and trailer packages, and entry into a kids fishing tournament during the US Open National Championships

 

SPRINGFIELD, MO. – Nothing beats the smile on a kid’s face when they catch a fish!

That’s the inspiration behind the Johnny Morris Happy Fishin’ Contest, where 10 passionate youngsters ages 17 and under will win their very own boat and join in the fun at the US Open National Bass Fishing Championships on Table Rock Lake in November.

Noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris has spent a lifetime fishing and connecting more kids and families to nature. Now, he wants to celebrate kids who love to fish and attract even more families to put down their digital devices and pick up a fishing pole.

“We’re looking for some of the most passionate and enthusiastic youngsters out there to help inspire others to get out and enjoy the outdoors,” Johnny Morris said. “There is no better feeling than seeing the joy and excitement on a young angler’s face when they catch a fish. It’s what sparks a lifelong love of the outdoors. We hope every kid who loves to fish submits a video – let’s create some happy memories!”

Prize package

The 10 winners will enjoy the prize package of a lifetime:

  • Each winner will receive a new Bass Tracker Classic XL boat, motor and trailer
  • $500 Bass Pro Shops gift card for tackle and more
  • US Open jersey and amenity bag with exclusive gear
  • Full travel and lodging for the winner and one guardian to Big Cedar Lodge – America’s Premier Wilderness Lodge – on Table Rock Lake in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains
  • The chance to compete in a special kids fishing tournament during the US Open National Championships.

How to enter

Create a video of two minutes or less that shows a passion for fishing. Grownups can help film, but the kids need to tell their story and why they love to fish. Submit the videos and a completed entry form to www.basspro.com/KidsFishing by Sunday, October 24th, 2021, and a panel of celebrity anglers will review each video and select 10 winners. Winners will be announced on November 2nd, 2021.

Kids, be sure to wear your Bass Pro Shops cap! Read more

Michigan Pumpout Grant applications due Nov. 5

Public and private marinas open to the public are encouraged to apply for Michigan Pumpout Grant Program funds this fall. Approximately $200,000 is available annually, though individual award amounts will vary based on project scope.

Applications with all required materials are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5.

Apply for the grant ?

Funds applied for during this round should be available for projects beginning in spring 2022. Marinas can use these grant dollars to fund up to 75% of eligible project costs, with the marina providing the remainder.

This grant program, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Sea Grant, helps reduce pollution from vessel sewage discharges by encouraging safe disposal of recreational boater sewage. Applicants can use the funding to build new pumpout and dump stations or upgrade existing facilities.

No more than a $5 fee can be charged to the public for use of these grant-funded facilities.

Questions? Please email MichiganPumpouts@umich.edu.

Michigan: Chinook and coho salmon runs begin as DNR gears up for egg takes

The days are getting cooler, the leaves are beginning to change and the salmon are starting their annual spawning runs – all signs that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is preparing for Chinook and coho salmon egg takes.

Managing Michigan’s world-class fisheries is dependent on egg takes each fall. Salmon return to the rivers and streams where they were hatched or stocked. To aid in annual egg collection, the DNR has strategically placed weirs in rivers with high concentrations of spawning salmon.

DNR facilities begin operations in mid-September and complete the process in late October for all Pacific salmon egg takes. Though the egg collection work is scheduled, the DNR team will act only when there are sufficient numbers to indicate the fish are ready. Conditions can vary day to day.

DNR staff conduct egg takes not only to support Michigan’s yearly fish production goals, but also to assist other Great Lakes states in meeting their fishery needs. This season, portions of Michigan-collected eggs will be directed to Illinois and Indiana. Read more

Ohio: Saugeye are Biting

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife annually stocks 54 lakes and reservoirs with saugeye, a fast-growing and popular game fish. A hybrid cross between a sauger and a walleye, saugeye offer Ohio anglers the chance to catch excellent table fare and the occasional trophy fish.

Three Division of Wildlife state fish hatcheries produce and stock about 25 million saugeye annually. These fish reach a catchable size in one to three years depending on where they are stocked. The state record saugeye was caught in 2004 at Antrim Lake in Franklin County. It weighed 14.04 pounds and measured 30? inches long. The fish are active year-round and will particularly engage with artificial lures and live bait during the fall and spring months.

“The fall is an excellent time to catch saugeye because they are feeding heavily to bulk up for the coming winter,” said Rich Zweifel, the Division of Wildlife’s Inland Fisheries Program Administrator. “Saugeye are often caught in shallow water, so be sure to consider its clarity when choosing your fishing methods. A good time to fish for saugeye is at sunrise and sunset when they are most active.” Read more

Michigan DNR again postpones full reopening of some facilities

Michigan Department of Natural Resources customer service centers and certain field offices will remain on a three-days-per-week open to the public schedule – Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – until at least Oct. 31.

The three-day schedule for these facilities has been in place since July 20. The offices had been set to reopen to the public five days a week after Labor Day, prior to new coronavirus advisories and recommendations.

The date for full reopening of these facilities has been postponed, with coronavirus developments, from Sept. 7 to Oct. 4 to now, at least Oct. 31.

The affected customer service centers include Baraga, Bay City, Cadillac, Detroit, Escanaba, Gaylord, Lansing, Marquette, Newberry, Plainwell, Roscommon, Sault Ste. Marie and Traverse City. Read more

Vessel Profile: Onne van der Wal’s Snow Goose

Acclaimed nautical photographer and mariner, Onne van der Wal, refits what may be the most beautiful Grand Banks 32 on Earth.

Born in the Netherlands and raised in South Africa, Onne van der Wal took to the seas at a young age. Early, indelible memories were forged sailing aboard his grandfather’s boat in Holland. Later, working as a commercial fisherman from the port of Hout Bay throughout his teenage years, van der Wal’s love for the ocean compounded. “I liked the vibe of being at sea and catching fish,” he recalls. “Growing up, there were always boats in the family and all our vacations revolved around boating, sailing and fishing.”

As van der Wal grew into a young man, his passions for the sea and for boats matured with him. He became an acclaimed sailor and entered the 1981 Whitbread Round the World Race on Flyer, leaving the competition in his wake. His artful photographs depicting scenes from his maritime adventures became widely published, paving the way for van der Wal to combine his two loves – boating and photography – into a vocation.

Today, Onne van der Wal lives in Jamestown, Rhode Island, where he and his wife, Tenley, own and operate a gallery showcasing his work, which has been published in boating and sailing magazines and other forms of media over the past 35 years. A machinist by trade, van der Wal also enjoys working with his hands. Boat restorations have allowed him to throw this skill into the mix of a life well lived. He completed a well-publicized restoration of a 1972 Pearson 36 sailboat named Snoek a few years ago and is currently wrapping up the refit of a 1986 Grand Banks 32 trawler, Snow Goose.

“I’ve been keen on trawlers since my teenage years in Cape Town,” van der Wal says. “We had a lot of fun with Snoek, but my wife isn’t a sailor at heart and we were ready for something different.” Van der Wal says he was fortunate to find the solid Grand Banks 32 under his nose in Jamestown before it was even listed for sale. “We bought it and put it on the hard, where I spent six months restoring it last winter. It’s simply much better for photography than a sailboat; it’s more comfortable with more room and more daylight. Tenley and I just love it.” Read more

Michigan: DNR Completes Investigation of Common Carp Die Mortality in Lake Orion

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has completed its investigation of the common carp mortality on Lake Orion in northeast Oakland County that occurred in mid-to late July. With the assistance of the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory at Michigan State University, it has been determined and confirmed that the common carp fish kill was caused by koi herpesvirus (KHV – cyprinid herpesvirus 3).

“As the case with most herpesviruses, KHV is very specific on which fish species it will infect and only affects common carp, koi and goldfish,” said Gary Whelan, Fisheries Division Research Program manager. “This is only the third detection of this non-native virus in Michigan waters, and it is known to kill large numbers of its host species at times. KHV does not affect any other fish species and has no implications for any other birds, mammals or humans.”

The July fish kill was reported by residents using the DNR’s Eyes in the Field website. The only species involved was adult common carp, and the number killed was between 300 to 600 mostly adult fish.

The DNR reminds the public that viruses and bacteria that affect fish typically are not human pathogens due to the differences in body temperatures between fish and humans. It is strongly recommended that all freshwater fish be fully cooked to ensure they are safe to consume. For more information on choosing and eating safe fish, visit Michigan.gov/EatSafeFish.

2022 Fish Art Contest Season Open

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN –Wildlife Forever is proud to announce the 2022 Fish Art Contest is officially open and accepting entries. The free international art and writing competition is the perfect way to inspire youth in kindergarten through 12th grade to discover the outdoors through creative art and writing.

Young people across the world can use their artistic talents while learning about fish, fishing, and aquatic conservation. Participants can win prizes; national and even international recognition. The Art of Conservation® programs ignite a life-long appreciation of fish and wildlife and serves as a powerful outlet for self-expression.

New for the 2022 Fish Art contest, students can draw any fish from around the world. An all-inclusive fish list allows youth to discover more species in other parts of the world and build broader connections with the outdoors. Specialty awards will continue to highlight unique species and feature a selected list for competition.

New!!! Participants can now register and submit their Fish Art entries completely online. Digital and printable entry forms will also be available. International participants are encouraged to submit their entries online. Read more

1 54 55 56 57 58 142