Destin, FL – If ever an angler truly required high-level hand protection, Northern Minnesota ice fishing guide, Brian “Bro” Brosdahl would be that man. During a frozen-water fishing season that spans nearly five sub-freezing months, Bro does his best to keep his hands under wraps. But after decades of frostbite and numb fingertips on the frozen tundra, the legendary ice angler has finally sworn off a mountain of insufficient ice-gloves for good.

Last year, Bro found the perfect fit and a glove design worthy of a Northcountry winter—Fish Monkey’s Yeti Premium Ice Fishing Glove.

“What convinced me go all in on Fish Monkey was wearing a pair of their Pro 365 Guide Glove all last summer and falling in love with their fit, hand-protection and freedom-of-movement. The gloves perform like they were designed by an angler, which they were. I suspected their ice fishing gloves might be equally special, and I was right.”

Few phone calls later, Bro connected with Fish Monkey president and owner, Tim Mossberg. Before long, the two fishermen became friends, engaging in detailed confabs about the minutiae of ice glove design—and heady concepts like ergonomics, thermo-conductivity and selective permeability.

“I’ve worked with a lot of talented glove and ice apparel engineers over the years,” Bro admits. “It would be hard to image anyone more passionate or knowledgeable about fishing gloves as Tim. Safe to say, Fish Monkey is fishing gloves.” Read more

Oceanside, CA – Two decades ago, Hobie revolutionized kayak fishing with the invention of the original MirageDrive. The radical engineering feat was met with worldwide acclaim and leg-propulsion became the new standard for kayak fishing locomotion.

Imitators eventually arrived on the scene, but the original remains the industry benchmark…

Mount Pleasant Mills, PA – Sirphis, LLC is excited to partner with Uncharted Watercraft to bring Sirphis branded kayaks to the market. Uncharted Watercraft will offer Muddy Girl, Lifestyle Camo, and Pulse on both the Scorpion and Outbound models.

Uncharted Watercraft designed a packable kayak that makes it easy to transport and store. The Scorpion design packs down to 43” x 29” x 12” and holds up to 250 pounds, and the Outbound packs down to 60” x 34” x 22” with a 500-pound capacity. It can be assembled and disassembled in a matter of minutes with no tools required. Read more

Crosslake, MN – Technologists call it augmented reality, a digitally enhanced video display that enriches the real-world environment and increases user entertainment.

For Aqua-Vu engineers, the only “real-world” that matters is the one that lies hidden beneath the surface; goals perpetually focused on maximizing enjoyment of anglers and underwater explorers. On the eve of unveiling its next-generation HDi Series cameras, the pioneering optics company has once again opened new underwater vistas. Read more

OLATHE, Kan. Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN), the world’s leading marine electronics manufacturer1 today announced its new Force™ Trolling Motor, bringing superior power and efficiency to the freshwater trolling motor market. More power and efficiency means anglers can cover more area and stay on their spots longer, even in tough conditions—and without spooking the fish. Thanks to its unique brushless motor, Force operates with almost undetectable levels of sonar and steering noise both below and above the water. It’s also the first trolling motor to include built-in industry-leading Garmin CHIRP traditional and Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars.

“The trolling motor is one of the most critical pieces of equipment on a freshwater fishing boat, and it can single-handedly be the difference between a good or bad day on the water,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin worldwide vice president of consumer sales. “As a new player in the trolling motor market, Garmin is dedicated to delivering a motor that’s as innovative as it is reliable, yet still whisper quiet. Not only is the Force trolling motor at the forefront of power and efficiency, its robust, reliable design was built to withstand strenuous use, season after season, and the result is a trolling motor that’s second to none.” Read more

Introducing OZ by ScentLok Marine Active Odor Destroyers at ICAST 2019

MUSKEGON, Mich. (July 1, 2019) – Ever notice how the air smells “clean” before, during and after a thunderstorm? That’s because lightning and other electrical charges in the atmosphere split nitrogen and oxygen molecules into individual atoms, some of which recombine to form O3, or ozone, giving the air a sharp, fresh aroma. In our boating and fishing world, experienced captains heed this distinct smell as a warning to hightail it back to port.

Maybe you already knew that. But did you know that the power of ozone can be harnessed to destroy other odors? Again, chemistry—and the specific process known as oxidation —makes it possible. Read more

As part of NOAA’s joint responsibility with U.S Fish and Wildlife Service for implementing the Endangered Species Act, we review whether species require protections under the Act.

We have completed a comprehensive status review and found a low risk of extinction for alewife and blueback herring throughout their range as well as for four alewife distinct population segments (DPS) and three blueback DPSs along the east coast of the United States.

After careful review of the status of both these species and of the identified DPSs, we have determined that listing alewife or blueback herring, or any of the seven identified DPSs under the Endangered Species Act as either threatened or endangered is not warranted at this time. Read more

Recreational fishing equipment is already subject to a unique 10% excise tax

Alexandria, VA – The American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) President, Glenn Hughes, along with many ASA members, made the case before the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) that sportfishing equipment should be excluded from the next round of proposed tariffs on Chinese imports.

“We understand the position of the president regarding current trade relations with China and we support realigning the trade agreements to correct the unfair trade practices,” said Hughes. “However, we are deeply concerned about the impacts of these proposed tariffs on all the manufacturers who are already paying a unique excise tax of up to 10% to support sportfish restoration.”

On May 13, 2019, the administration proposed a list of approximately $300 billion in Chinese imports subject to Section 301 tariffs of up to 25%. This list of imports includes fishing equipment manufactured or sold by ASA’s members including fishing rods, hooks, reels, lines and many other necessary fishing equipment.

Today’s hearing before the USTR was an opportunity for the recreational sportfishing industry to make their case before the nation’s trade representatives that fishing equipment should be exempt from this new round of tariffs.

ASA members, including representatives from O. Mustad & Son, TackleDirect, Pure Fishing, ZEBCO Brands, Catch Co. and Big Rock Sports, provided testimony on the disproportionate economic harm these proposed tariffs could have on their bottom lines when this industry is already paying a unique 10% excise tax. Read more

BoatUS urges recreational boaters to be on watch for engine-killing E15;
send message to Congress and President to fix Renewable Fuel Standard

SPRINGFIELD, Va.– Over the objections of a wide coalition of American citizens and environmental, conservation, food producer, fuel retailer, taxpayer advocate, and outdoor recreation industry groups, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently waived Clean Air Act provisions and eliminated the three-and-a-half-month blackout period on the sale of E15 (15% ethanol) fuel during the summer months, permitting the fuel to be sold year-round.

The fuel had been banned at the pumps from June 1 to September 15 over concerns that it contributed to smog on hot days. As a result of EPA’s action, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is advising boaters that they will need to be very cautious at the gas station to ensure they aren’t filling their boats with fuel that’s bad (and illegal) for boat engines. Read more