Yamaha Marine Announces “Ride the Wave” Sales Event

Yamaha Marine’s new “Ride the Wave” sales event helps customers add big value with the purchase of select, eligible new Yamaha four-stroke outboard models, from April 21, 2025, through May 21, 2025. Customers have several options to boost their purchases depending on horsepower range.

Through the “Ride the Wave” sales event, customers who purchase eligible, new Yamaha outboards in the 30 to 350 horsepower models have an opportunity to add two years of Yamaha Extended Service (Y.E.S.) coverage* to three years of Yamaha Limited Warranty coverage to receive five years of total coverage protection. For the purchase of eligible, new 425 and 450 models, customers can add two years of Y.E.S. coverage* to five years of Yamaha Limited Warranty coverage for seven years of total coverage protection. In addition, customers who purchase eligible, new outboards in the 2.5 to 25 horsepower range are eligible for up to $500 in dealer credit, depending on the horsepower. Read more

Ice Belt Crappies

Winter has melted away like Frosty the Snowman and early spring crappies are now in play

With ice off our lakes in the upper Midwest, it’s crappie time. For anglers farther south, it’s been the deal for some time. But up north, with water temps around 50 degrees, crappies are moving shallow to feed and eventually spawn. The movements are signaled by water temperature and length of day; crappies know internally when the time is right to move from the deeper-water basins they inhabited during the winter. In shallow water areas, life takes off first thanks to runoff and sun exposure. This brings in clouds of baitfish to feed on micro-invertebrates and bugs.

So, as soon as the ice goes out, on warm days, crappies will move into bays to feed, but not necessarily spawn – yet. That comes later, typically when the water temperature reaches around 58-62 degrees. And throughout the southern Midwest region, we should be getting close to that.

Where To Find ‘Em

Focus your efforts on northern, northwestern, and northeastern shorelines and off-shoots of the main lake – the first areas to warm up. Read more

DIY Jug Fishing Light Brings Big Visibility to a Classic Method

LUMENOK (The Burt Coyote Co) is excited to launch the DIY Jug Fishing Light—a tough, reliable, and brilliantly simple lighting solution designed for nighttime jug fishing. Built to fit nearly any screw-top jug, from 16 oz bottles to 2-liter soda bottles, this adaptable light module brings your jug rigs to life the moment a fish bites.

When tilted by a strike, the internal sensor activates a bright red or green LED, instantly lighting up your jug—no more wondering which line got hit in the dark. Translucent jugs work especially well, casting a brilliant internal glow that’s easy to see in the roughest of waves.

Easy Setup. No Guesswork.

Installing the DIY Jug Fishing Light is quick and simple. All you need is a cordless drill and a Phillips head screwdriver. We supply everything else—including the mounting hardware. Whether you’re a first-time builder or a seasoned rig master, this kit makes it easy to get on the water faster. Read more

Silencer Central BLACKOUT Giveaway

Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Silencer Central, America’s innovator in suppressor sales and to-your-door delivery, wants you to go into stealth mode with the BLACKOUT Giveaway. With the launch of the new BANISH 30-V2, we’ve added a stellar rifle from Wilson Combat, an amazing thermal riflescope from Pulsar, and a wide range of other prizes from our partners to create a package designed to be ready for action when the sun goes down.

“We have some outstanding partners who came together to create an amazing prize package for this project,” said Logan Hutchinson, Silencer Central Marketing Director. “The lucky winner will receive a versatile kit complete with rifle, optic, suppressor, and other essential gear that’s perfect for any firearms enthusiast. Whether you love low-light varmint hunting or just having a great time at the range, this is a really cool package capped off with the most versatile suppressor on the market.”

Here’s what the winner of the BLACKOUT Giveaway will receive: Read more

Emergency lowering of water levels started on Trout Lake Dam, Gladwin County

April 11, 2025

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources began an emergency reduction of water levels at Trout Lake Dam in Gladwin County on April 10.The Michigan Department of Natural Resources began an emergency reduction of water levels at Trout Lake Dam in Gladwin County on April 10 to reduce risk of structural failure and an uncontrolled release of water from the impoundment.

DNR media release on January 27 announced a recommendation to the department to remove the dam, as well as the DNR’s intent to initiate drawdown in 2025. The drawdown timeline has advanced to emergency status after spring runoff fully recharged the impoundment. The added pressure against the stop logs increased the likelihood for failure, particularly if a significant precipitation event occurs. Read more

Joint Statement of Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship and Representative Matt Simpson Concerning Jubilees

A jubilee is a naturally occurring phenomenon that happens in only two locations in the world, Mobile Bay and Tokyo Bay, during which large numbers of fish and crustaceans are forced into shallow water due to low dissolved oxygen in the water. Jubilees are not “fish kills” and the fish, shrimp, and other marine life generally return to normal behavior when the conditions change. However, the events bring sea life right to the shore where they can be seen and harvested.

These events are special times in the lives of coastal residents and visitors. It is impossible to predict the exact location, time, and duration of a jubilee which makes planning uncertain for participation in this uniquely Alabama event. Individuals must abide by creel limits, size regulations, and other laws and regulations that protect Alabama’s valuable marine resources from overharvest during these events.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has worked with Representative Matt Simpson, who represents parts of the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay where most jubilees occur, to provide information to residents and visitors alike to ensure they can participate in these events within the law and enjoy the bounty of Mobile Bay. Read more

Spring steelhead egg collection on Little Manistee River begins Tuesday

April 10, 2025

DNR staff holding fish at the Little Manistee River weir during spring steelhead egg take.The annual collection of steelhead eggs at the Little Manistee River weir in Stronach (Manistee County), Michigan, is tentatively scheduled to begin Tuesday, April 15. The facility is open to the public for up-close viewing during egg-take operations.

Steelhead provide one of Michigan’s premier sport fishing opportunities for both open-water fishing on the Great Lakes and tributary stream fishing. Yearling steelhead produced through hatchery operations are stocked in select tributaries of all the Great Lakes.

Since 1968, the Little Manistee River weir has served as the sole source of winter-run steelhead eggs for fish hatcheries in Michigan and the main source for Ohio and Indiana. This year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources plans to collect 4.5 million eggs. Thompson State Fish Hatchery and Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery will receive 3.7 million of those eggs, and Ohio and Indiana will each receive 400,000 eggs. Read more

2025 In-Fisherman Bass Guide Gear Box Now on Sale

A Must-Have Mix for Bass Anglers Featuring a Six-Month Trial Subscription to MyOutdoorTV and Exclusive Offerings

Bass anglers nationwide take note: the highly anticipated 2025 In-Fisherman Bass Guide Gear Box is now on sale. Packed with an assortment of premium tackle, accessories, and specialty items from some of the biggest names in fishing, this limited-edition Gear Box promises to enhance the angling experience for both seasoned pros and weekend enthusiasts alike.

Now in its fourth year, this signature offering from In-Fisherman pairs cutting-edge fishing gear with the latest edition of the Bass Guide, an annual publication devoted to trends and innovations in largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fishing. Designed to deliver unmatched value to the angling community, the 2025 Gear Box boasts nearly $150 worth of essential fishing products for a fraction of the cost.

“The Gear Box initiative has been a great success for us,” said In-Fisherman publisher Todd Ceisner. “It has allowed us to help our partners get their products into the hands of avid anglers at an incredible value. We’ve tried to include a mix of well-known brands with some brands or products folks may not be as familiar with, all in an effort to expand their fishing expertise.”

This year’s Gear Box includes a selection of products from renowned fishing brands, such as Berkley, Gamakatsu, Strike King, Rapala, Damiki, Daiwa, and BOOYAH. Additionally, every Gear Box includes a complimentary six-month trial subscription to MyOutdoorTV, giving anglers access to the leading streaming service for outdoor programming.

Quantities of the 2025 Bass Guide Gear Box are limited, and demand is expected to be high. Once sold out, no additional boxes will be produced. Grab the Gear Box at https://www.osgnewsstand.com/product/bass-2025 Read more

Inland sport fishing guide license required for guided fishing on inland Michigan

April 7, 2025

With nearly 11,000 inland lakes and 76,000 miles of rivers and streams, Michigan has a wealth of inland fishing opportunities, and inland fishing guides help anglers enjoy those abundant resources. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers and guides that since March 1, 2024, inland fishing guides operating in the state are required to have an inland sport fishing guide license to take clients on guided trips on inland lakes, rivers or streams.

Great Lakes connecting waters refer to specific bodies of water in Michigan that connect the Great Lakes to each other: the St. Marys River, the St. Clair River (beginning at the Fort Gratiot Light), Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River (beginning at the imaginary line extending due south of the Windmill Point Light, Wayne County, and ending at the imaginary east/west line drawn through the most southernly point of Celeron Island).

Those interested should complete the following steps to apply for an inland sport fishing guide license:

  1. Review the requirements and complete the questionnaire. The DNR will review responses to verify license requirements are met. Applicants will be notified via email within five business days with further instructions.
  2. Upon receiving notification of DNR approval, buy the license online or on the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish mobile app. Read more

Volunteers needed to protect Michigan’s spawning sturgeon along Black River

April 7, 2025

Lake sturgeon in the Black River in Cheboygan County.Sturgeon For Tomorrow is seeking volunteers in Cheboygan County mid-April through early June to stand guard as mature lake sturgeon head upstream to their spawning sites along the Black River. The Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon For Tomorrow is working in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and various tribes to protect the fish from illegal harvest during the six-week spawning season.

Sgt. Mike Mshar, who leads DNR Law Enforcement Division’s efforts on the river, said, “This program, which protects this iconic species when they are most vulnerable, is a model of how agencies and the public can cooperate to get needed work accomplished.”

Volunteers are assigned shifts along the river to stand watch and report suspicious activity to the DNR conservation officers patrolling the area. The program also uses aerial surveillance for additional monitoring.

“For over 20 years, the annual Sturgeon Guarding Program has proven that people serving as sturgeon guards watching over the river have virtually eliminated poaching, while helping to ensure the protection and reproductive success of the species,” said Mary Paulson, the program’s volunteer coordinator. “It’s a unique and rewarding experience to witness these majestic fish swimming up the Black River, and to be a key player in safeguarding one of Michigan’s most valuable natural resources.”

While volunteers will be assigned sites to stand guard, there will be on-site coordinators at the river to assist and answer questions. Additionally, volunteers are asked to assist in recording the number of fish active in the area. Read more

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