New York's Angler Achievement Awards Program recognized 774 anglers in 2025, including 561 Angler Award and 213 Youth Angler Award recipients. Top species caught included largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, and yellow perch, with four new state records set for fallfish, channel catfish, brook trout, and white perch.

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is accepting applications for a new Life Jacket Loaner Program pilot featuring digital checkout technology. Local organizations including parks, marinas, and fire departments can apply by March 27, 2026, with support from a $375,000 grant through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.

Tennessee's Dylan Nutt, a 22-year-old Bass Nation qualifier, won the 2026 Bassmaster Classic on the Tennessee River using Berkley's soon-to-launch Lab Series soft baits. Nutt finished with 66 pounds, 13 ounces, earning $300,000 and qualification to the 2027 Bassmaster Elite Series.

The Missouri Department of Conservation collaborated with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to enhance fish habitat at Table Rock Lake near Branson. Approximately 50 cedar trees were strategically placed along the shoreline, and 41 existing brush piles were replenished while six new ones were constructed.

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife's Hooked on Fishing program is offering a two-day Team Leader Training on March 28 and April 18, 2025, at Neptune High School in Neptune, NJ. The training prepares adults to lead youth fishing teams through schools, community, and faith-based organizations. Registration deadline is March 16, 2026.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is offering free public training to become certified aquatic invasive species inspectors. The one-day courses, coordinated by Josh Leonard, cover invasive species biology, impacts, and watercraft inspection techniques, with trainings scheduled statewide from March through July.

Dubai World Trade Centre has postponed the Dubai International Boat Show from April to November 25-29, 2026, at Dubai Harbour. The show will now permanently take place in November annually, aligning with the Middle East's prime boating season and reinforcing Dubai's role as a regional marine leisure hub.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) will co-host the 2026 California Boating Congress with the Marine Recreation Association on April 28-29 in Sacramento. The event will feature policy discussions, legislative presentations, and advocacy sessions focused on aquatic invasive species and public water access. Robert Newsome, NMMA's Chief Administrative Officer, will present economic impact data on California's recreational boating industry.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, under Director Meghan Hertel, has authorized the use of pop-up fishing gear for the first time in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery to minimize whale entanglement risk. The alternative gear, which uses remote-triggered buoys, will be permitted in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 beginning April 3, 2026, while recreational crab trap restrictions take effect March 27, 2026.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources released approximately 10,000 hatchery-reared juvenile southern flounder into state estuaries on March 13, marking the first release of a new stock-enhancement program developed since 2021 in collaboration with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, University of Texas at Austin, North Carolina State University, and Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will hold a public meeting on March 30, 2026, to discuss the recreational lake whitefish fishery in Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay. DNR Lake Superior Fisheries Biologist Dray Carl will present data on abundance, harvest levels, and angler participation, while seeking angler input through an online questionnaire.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has developed a comprehensive 30-year fish production and stocking plan to address population growth and drought conditions. The plan includes increasing native fish species production, raising more cool and warmwater sportfish, and adjusting stocking strategies, with the new Loa Fish Hatchery expected to be completed in 2027.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) submitted comments to NOAA supporting exempted fishing permits from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina to improve South Atlantic red snapper management through enhanced data collection and recreational angler access.

NOAA Fisheries is hosting a mid-Atlantic recreational fisheries constituent roundtable webinar on March 31, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST. The event will feature presentations and an open forum for NOAA Fisheries' Greater Atlantic leadership and the recreational fishing community to discuss priorities and concerns.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stocked nearly 300,000 Florida bass into Lake George in the St. Johns River system during February and March. The bass were raised at the Florida Bass Conservation Center Richloam Fish Hatchery to support habitat restoration efforts.

The Gulf Council will hold a three-day meeting April 7-9, 2026, at The Battle House Renaissance in Mobile, Alabama. The Council will take final action on lane snapper catch limits and red grouper commercial quota measures, review shrimp assessments, and discuss recreational fishing seasons and management delegation to Gulf States.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stocked 800 yellow perch in Dead Lakes in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore populations impacted by Hurricane Michael. Fisheries biologist Ryan Henry will lead evaluation efforts to assess the restoration success.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is hosting a virtual public meeting on March 23 to discuss management options for 2027-2028 coastal recreational bottomfish fisheries. The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) is considering harvest levels and management measures such as seasons and bag limits for the upcoming biennium.

EGO Fishing releases operational directives for mastering landing net technique with the EGO S2 Slider, covering critical protocols including extension reach, head-first entry, proper angles, and angler-netman coordination to ensure successful fish extraction.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources approved new 2026 striped bass regulations that open April for catch-and-release fishing and close August to protect fish during hot water temperatures. The seasonal shift simplifies regulations while maintaining conservation protections and increasing recreational fishing opportunities.

The Virginia Trout Slam challenges anglers to catch Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout in the same day. Participants can submit their catches to the DWR Trophy Fish Program via Go Outdoors VA to receive a sticker. The Massanutten Chapter of Trout Unlimited supports this initiative, offering pre-planned fishing trips across Virginia regions.

Outdoors Radio features National Deer Association president and CEO Nick Pinizzotto, Wisconsin underwater archaeologist Tamara Thomsen, and Dan Small presenting a fly-fishing seminar at the Muskies Inc. Muskie School in Waunakee.

Strike King, part of Rather Outdoors, is hiring a Brand Vice President in Columbia, SC to develop long-term strategy, manage product development, and lead cross-functional teams for the fishing consumables brand. The role requires 3-5 years of brand management experience and fishing industry knowledge.

Whitewater Fishing has introduced its entire technical fishing pant collection featuring high-recovery 4-way stretch architecture, including the Prevail Pant, Everyday Pant, Luswea Jogger, and Horizon Lightweight Jogger, designed to provide unrestricted mobility across specialized fabric weights for every water application.

NEBO introduces the INTREPID 600 Power Station, a UL-2743 certified portable power source featuring 588.8 watt-hours capacity, ten-way device charging, and pure sine wave technology. The unit includes smart battery protection, GFCI shock protection, and a three-mode floodlight, priced at $699.99.

The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame released signature Heddon lures featuring bass fishing icons Johnny Morris, Jimmy Houston, Denny Brauer, and Bob Cobb from the 2002 Induction Class. Designed with PRADCO Outdoor Brands lure designer Frank Scalish, these limited-edition topwater lures will be available exclusively at lurenet.com starting September 1, with all proceeds benefiting the Hall of Fame.

YUM has launched the Covert Spinnerbait Trailer, designed by Jason Christie to pair with BOOYAH Covert Spinnerbaits. The trailer features a twin-tail design with distinctive feet, center line for straight rigging, and adjustable sizing options, available in six colors.

Berkley introduces the Dough Rider, an innovative inline spinner featuring built-in Scent Vent Technology powered by PowerBait Dough. Available in multiple sizes and colors starting March 2026 at $6.49 MSRP, the lure combines flash, vibration, and scent for targeting trout, panfish, bass, and bluegill.

Yamamoto has launched the Shibo Swimmer, a new soft plastic bait designed to outperform traditional paddle tail swimbaits with enhanced water displacement and a distinctive tail kick. Available in three sizes and 12 colors, the bait works effectively on bladed jigs, Alabama rigs, and ballhead jigs across various fishing conditions.

Rebel Lures launches Ultra-Finesse Jig Snack Packs featuring pre-rigged KEG Jig Heads with LIVEflex soft plastic baits. Each pack includes two 3/32-ounce jigs with different bait options, designed for finicky fish in clear water and pressured conditions.

Beginning July 8, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will discontinue waterproof license paper and encourage mobile licensing through the MyWDFW app and Fish Washington® app. Electronic catch record cards for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut will launch April 1, with Puget Sound Dungeness crab reporting available summer 2026.

Evolution Outdoor has partnered with legendary bass fishing pro Bill Dance, a Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee known for his tournament success and the longest-running fishing show in America, Bill Dance Outdoors. The partnership aligns with Evolution Outdoor's commitment to quality and performance in fishing gear.

BoatUS and Waterway Guide Media announced a partnership integrating TowBoatUS's 330-plus towing port locations into Waterway Guide's Explorer platform, mobile app, and API services. BoatUS members receive a 20% discount on Waterway Guide products and access to TowBoatUS locations and member benefits across multiple navigation apps.

DAIWA announces the second-generation TATULA Elite TW 100 baitcasting reel, engineered for enhanced distance, smoothness, and durability. The reel features the Magforce-Z Boost Spool and HYPERDRIVE DIGIGEAR system, delivering an additional 5 to 15 feet of casting distance while maintaining precision and reliability for elite-level bass fishing.

Daiwa is launching its 2026 saltwater collection at the Saltwater Fishing Expo (March 13-15) in Edison, New Jersey, featuring the redesigned Blackline Surf series, SALTIGA 30000P reel, SEABORG 500J power-assist reel, and CERTATE SW spinning reel designed for apex predator fishing and offshore applications.

Sunline America announced the addition of National Walleye Tour pros Beau Schilling and Chad Schilling, along with Bassmaster Elite Series angler Patrick Walters, to its pro staff team. These accomplished competitors will represent Sunline across the highest levels of competitive fishing.

Nick Dyer won the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship at Chickamauga and Nickajack Lakes presented by Native Watercraft with a two-day total of 200.75 inches, earning $20,000. Dyer used a Spro RkCrawler in specific sweet spots below the Watts Bar tailrace, outlasting Tennessee's Joshua Sharp who finished second with 197 inches.

The Chesapeake Bay Program's Invasive Catfish Workgroup is using research from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Virginia Tech, Salisbury University, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to manage invasive blue and flathead catfish. Studies reveal these species prey on economically important native species including blue crabs, river herring, and striped bass, threatening the Bay's ecosystem.

We had a couple inches of snow in north Alabama yesterday, a little final slap in the face from winter reminding us that, no, spring is not quite fully here yet.

It was actually the only morning, ever, that I’ve not seen a single boat trailer parked at any of the ramps around Lake Guntersville. (They were out there about five minutes after this last little joke from winter ended, though.)

But this reminded me that now is the time for those of us who have not been fishing and boating all winter—and I’m well aware that many never stopped throughout the southeast—that it’s time to make sure your trailer, your outboard and your boat’s systems are up to the job for the warm months ahead.

Start with the starting battery—put the charger on it and make sure it takes a full charge. Ditto for auxiliary batteries that power your trolling motor and electronics—without plenty of juice, you’re literally dead in the water.

Next, try the outboard—get a flushing muff to provide water to the pump, hook it up to a hose and make sure your motor will start and that it’s pulling water before you head to the lake.

If you haven’t had the water pump impeller replaced within the last two or three years, this would be a good time to do it, even if the pump appears to be working—it may give out mid-season. This is more wrench work than most of us want to do ourselves because you have to drop the lower unit, but it’s a must to avoid trouble down the road—have your local shop take care of it if you don’t want to try it on your own.

Fuel pumps also sometimes die over the winter. A couple seasons back the electric fuel pump on my Merc decided to freeze in place during the cold months. I almost spent a bundle on a new one before a mechanic buddy suggested I try soaking it in a pail of diesel fuel for a few days. I did, and it worked. That same pump is still running fine two years later.

Speaking of the fuel system, now is also the time to replace the element in your fuel filter—it’s a quick do-it-yourself, but make sure all the fittings are perfectly tight after the install. On older motors, make sure the fuel lines are not becoming brittle and crumbly—replace if they’re deteriorated at all.

Hopefully you added fuel treatment to the tank last fall to make sure water condensation in the enclosure is minimized, but if not, add plenty now. Mercury Quickare is a good one. Also, if possible, find a station that supplies regular gas to fill your tank. Low-ethanol blends, while not lethal to outboards, frequently cause issues, particularly during storage when they can cause water condensation as well as deteriorating older fuel system components.

Take a quick look at the prop to make sure there’s no fishing line wrapped around the shaft. And this is also a good time to change the lower unit lube if you didn’t do it when you put the boat away in fall.

If your boat has a live well and you expect to use it, make sure the pump is functional and that there’s no debris over the  intake. Ditto for the bilge pump and auto-float switch. Check your running lights, too, even if you don’t expect to be out at night—sometimes you come back later than you plan.

If you trailer your boat as most do, check the tires for cracking or other deterioration and make sure they’re fully inflated—trailer tires typically take 60 pounds or so, far more than passenger car tires. Don’t neglect proper inflation or your tires will overheat and blow out early. And of course you’ll need to grease the wheel bearings or check on the oil bath, depending on the design.

Make sure your hitch ball is tight and the draw pin is secured before attaching the trailer coupling. Check the safety chains or cables for corrosion. Cross them under the tongue and attach to the hitch.

Trailer taillights don’t give nearly as much issue as they did before LED’s, but make sure your stop and turn lights are working before you pull out of the driveway.

All of this definitely is not what most of us look forward to about spring boating and fishing, but if you take the time to get it done, you’ll have a much more enjoyable first launch as prime time arrives this year.

– Frank Sargeant
Frankmako1@gmail.com