The Alabama Bass Trail received the Media Advocate of the Year award from the Alabama Tourism Department at the Governor's Conference on Tourism Awards Banquet. The recognition honors the ABT media team's live tournament coverage and television show, which has generated over $118 million in economic impact for Alabama since 2014.

Construction begins July 27 at Cyr Bridge Fishing Access Site on the Clark Fork River's Alberton Gorge. The boat slide will remain open during daytime hours with temporary evening closures while Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks replaces wood and stairs over several weeks.

Correct Craft announced the acquisition of Fluid Motion, parent company of Ranger Tugs, Cutwater Boats, and Solara Boats. Fluid Motion will retain its brands and headquarters in Monroe, Washington, with CEO Zach Hutcheson noting the acquisition aligns naturally with Correct Craft's existing marine brands.

Grady-White Boats owner Eddie Smith has transferred company control to a perpetual purpose trust that will donate tens of millions annually to charity, marking the largest such transition in the U.S. marine industry. CEO Kris Carroll will lead operations while Smith assumes an emeritus role.

Nexus Outdoors announced the acquisition of Blackfin Rods, a Hobe Sound, Florida-based manufacturer of American-made fishing rods. The acquisition adds Blackfin to Nexus Outdoors' portfolio including ScentLok Technologies, Blocker Outdoors, Whitewater Fishing, Hardcore Waterfowl, and TUO Gear, with Jim Schiefelbein leading as Brand President.

The Metlakatla Indian Community is removing 27 abandoned and derelict vessels from the Annette Islands Reserve with support from a BoatUS Foundation grant and NOAA Marine Debris Program funding. The effort has removed six vessels to date, protecting fisheries and improving harbor safety for this Alaska-based community.

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust-funded research led by Dr. Lucas Griffin identifies key tarpon feeding habitats across South Florida, the northern Gulf, and the Mid-Atlantic coast. The study reveals tarpon feed hundreds of miles from where they're caught, emphasizing the need for regional conservation efforts to protect this celebrated sportfish.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks accepted an 82-acre island donation from Trust for Public Land on the upper Yellowstone River near Livingston. Gov. Greg Gianforte and FWP Director Christy Clark celebrated the new Siskin Island Fishing Access Site, which protects critical habitat and expands public fishing and floating access.

Over 100 conservation leaders from 34 states gathered at the 2026 B.A.S.S. Conservation Summit in Knoxville, Tennessee, to strengthen partnerships and address bass fisheries issues. The Summit featured presentations on conservation outreach through social media and aquatic plant management, with Tony Beck and Jayson Hooven recognized as 2026 B.A.S.S. Conservation Directors of the Year.

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) launched the E.K. Harry Digital Archive, a multi-year initiative to digitize the E.K. Harry Library of Fishes' 500,000 photographs, 725,000 historical documents, and other materials spanning sportfishing history. The $1.6 million project will make the world's most comprehensive game fish collection searchable online within approximately two years.

The Missouri Department of Conservation will host a free introductory fishing program on July 31 at Walther Park in DeSoto. Participants will learn casting, rod basics, tackle, and fish handling. Advanced registration is required.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's School Fishing Program invites Florida schools to register starting August 20 to provide students with fishing curriculum and hands-on activities. The program is supported by Coastal Conservation Association of Florida, Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Hobie Eyewear, and Flambeau Outdoors.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is launching four new paddling trails in Palacios, marking the 100th trail in the Texas Paddling Trails program founded in 2006. The trails, created with the Palacios Paddlers citizen group and six local organizations, add 19.5 miles of coastal paddling opportunities featuring the Tres Palacios River Trail, Palacios Wetlands Trail, City by the Sea Trail, and Dolphin Run Trail.

NMEA is hosting its Marine Electronics Conference at Dallas/Rockwall Hilton Hotel on Lake Ray Hubbard, featuring new BMEI Coastal/Freshwater Installer and BMEI Commercial Installer certification courses. The event includes manufacturer expo, technical sessions, business seminars, and networking opportunities for dealers, installers, technicians, manufacturers, and distributors.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is surveying anglers and stream enthusiasts for input on revising its Stream Black Bass Management Plan. The plan will cover smallmouth, Neosho, largemouth, and spotted bass in Arkansas's wadeable and floatable streams. The survey closes August 9.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved new smallmouth bass regulations effective July 1, 2026, designating 10 Blue Ribbon Streams with a 1-fish daily limit and 15-inch minimum length. The regulations, backed by the AGFC's Stream Black Bass diversity project with the University of Arkansas, aim to preserve native smallmouth bass populations and related species.

Utah's Blue Ribbon Fisheries program allocated over $446,000 toward 13 projects to enhance 41 designated waterbodies. Key projects include habitat improvements at Jordanelle Reservoir with Utah State Parks and Muskies Inc., angler access improvements at Starvation Reservoir, water quality enhancement at Panguitch Lake, and bank restoration on the Duchesne River.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports elevated fish mortality events across the state due to high water temperatures exceeding safe levels for species like northern pike, cisco, and lake sturgeon. Fish Health Supervisor Isaiah Tolo urges public reporting of mortality events and recommends actions including natural shoreline restoration and reduced nutrient runoff to protect fisheries.

A multi-year study led by Dr. Sean Powers at the University of South Alabama found approximately 3.2 million greater amberjack in the Gulf, roughly double the federal stock assessment estimate of 1.5 million. The research, funded by Congress and involving 11 institutions, used innovative underwater video and acoustic camera methods to provide independent population estimates that may lead to improved management decisions and expanded fishing seasons.

FINDEX is a fisheries status index that translates complex stock assessments into understandable percentages, allowing the public to grasp how fish populations compare to biological targets. Rather than using technical terminology, FINDEX measures progress from Depleted to World-Class, with North Carolina species like bluefish scoring 191 percent.

Idaho Fish and Game's Angler Incentive Program offers cash rewards for walleye and lake trout heads turned in from Lake Pend Oreille. Tagged walleye are worth $1,000 each, while lake trout heads earn $15 per head, with monthly drawings for additional prizes. The program helps manage the lake's fisheries and protect kokanee populations.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks confirmed non-native brown trout in Ashley Lake and Church Slough, urging anglers to kill any catches and report them to FWP Region 1. Fisheries biologist Kenny Breidinger emphasized the threat to Flathead fisheries and the importance of angler cooperation in preventing establishment.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host an online public meeting on July 29 at 6 p.m. via Microsoft Teams to discuss the 2027 Pacific halibut season. ODFW, in partnership with the International Pacific Halibut Commission, Pacific Fishery Management Council, and National Marine Fisheries Service, seeks public feedback on balancing angling opportunity with resource management.

The Gulf Council is requesting feedback from active fishermen about red snapper trends in the Gulf through their Fisherman Feedback Tool. Fishermen's on-the-water expertise will inform scientists and managers conducting a stock assessment on red snapper, with responses due by August 21, 2026.

A striped bass total length definition has been adopted into regulation by the ASMFC in accordance with Addendum III to Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass. Total length is measured as the greatest straight-line distance from the anterior tip of the jaw with mouth closed to the farthest tail extremity with fork squeezed together.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds spearers that the Aug. 1, 2026 deadline to apply for Upriver Lakes tags or purchase preference points for the 2027 sturgeon spearing season on lakes Poygan, Winneconne, and Butte des Morts. Only 500 license holders are selected annually through a drawing prioritizing preference points.

Timothy Hicks of Post Falls caught a 49.75-inch Northern pike on Lake Pend Oreille on June 13, setting a new Idaho state catch-and-release record and surpassing Scott Blahnik's previous 2020 record by 3/4 of an inch.

Major League Fishing's Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Stop 6 streams live on MyOutdoorTV from Lake Champlain, featuring up to 150 pro anglers competing for a top prize of $135,000. The three-day tournament (July 24-26) will be broadcast by Chad McKee and Rob Newell on MajorLeagueFishing.com, MyOutdoorTV, and Rumble.

A coalition of sportfishing organizations, including the American Sportfishing Association, Center for Sportfishing Policy, Coastal Conservation Association, and Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, announced support for legislation introduced by Congressman Austin Scott to ensure fair management of South Atlantic red snapper by prohibiting commercial harvest during recreational closures.

EGO Fishing President Grant Corbett explains critical summer fish handling protocols to minimize delayed mortality in warm water. The article details techniques including shortened fights, minimal air exposure, knotless mesh nets, and proper revival before release, supported by research showing fish survival drops sharply above 84°F water temperature.

Fishing Tom's Guide Service, led by Captain Tommy Adams, reports peak saltwater fishing action on Louisiana's Calcasieu Estuary with heavy limits of speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. The guide service offers early morning charters aboard a 24-foot Nautic Star bay boat, plus all-inclusive lodging and Cajun meal packages for anglers seeking a complete sportsman's getaway.

Heddon Lures has released the Spin'N Image Jr., a smaller version of the popular Spin'N Image topwater lure. The 3-inch lure weighs 1/4 ounce and features a rotating tail with a bubble-trail hole, available in six colors with an MSRP of $8.99.

The SPRO Prop Frog 65 combines hollow-body frog design with twin metal propellers to create splash, flash, and vibration for topwater bass fishing. The weedless body glides through vegetation and cover while delivering explosive strikes.

Daiwa introduces the Japanese-made SP MINNOW LONG CAST 150F-HD, featuring an advanced HGS Weight Transfer System and continuous wire-through backbone for enhanced long-range casting and durability in saltwater applications. 

Whitewater Fishing and Fish Monkey have launched the Pro365 Guide Glove, a field-tested fishing glove featuring Griptanite non-slip grip technology, UPF 50+ sun protection, and reinforced cut-resistant pads. The glove is available in Open Water Blue Bell colorway with an MSRP of $32.99.

Light Tackle Anglers launches Uncle Ted, a pre-rigged Ned-style soft lure featuring a patent-pending jighead designed to improve hooking efficiency. The 3-inch lure, priced at $8.50 per pack of 2, combines finesse presentation with durability and is available in 8 color patterns for bass, walleye, and other freshwater species.

Daiwa introduces the Tatula MQ LT Elite spinning reel series, engineered to combine raw power with finesse capabilities through a rigid one-piece Monocoque ZAION V frame and flagship components. The series includes technique-specific models like the 2500 FC and 3000 XH, designed to excel in power finesse and finesse custom fishing applications.

Heddon has released the Spook Stick, a 3.5-inch topwater bait featuring a refined glass minnow profile designed to entice selective bass. The lure includes heavy tail weighting for long casts, internal metal beads for subtle rattling, and comes in six forage-imitating colors with an MSRP of $11.99.

TRUE has launched the CLAST line of EDC utility knives featuring three models: Full-Size ($34.99), Compact ($24.99), and Keychain ($19.99). The knives combine sleek modern design with practical functionality, including one-handed locking deployment, replaceable SK-5 blades, and durable Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon handles.

Fish Monkey's new Hydro-Block waterproof glove and sock collection received enthusiastic response at ICAST 2026 from retailers, guides, and professional captains. The three-layer construction combines advanced knitting technology with a waterproof, breathable membrane, designed for anglers in cold, wet conditions while maintaining dexterity and comfort.

Flambeau Outdoors introduced the Zerust® Max Waterproof Tuff Tainer™ (WP5005ZM), a tackle storage box featuring Zerust® Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor technology infused into the plastic to protect metal tackle for five years. The box includes an O-ring seal, three heavy-duty polycarbonate latches, and up to 20 customizable compartments with 15 adjustable dividers.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission commissioned a unique poker deck featuring 52 hand-illustrated Florida fish species created by award-winning young artist Sebastian Romo and his father Diego Romo. Each card showcases accurate identification marks and representative habits of a Florida species.  MSRP of $12.95.

St. Croix's modernized TRIUMPH Series freshwater fishing rod was voted Best New Freshwater Rod at ICAST 2026. The expanded 2027 lineup features improved ergonomics, upgraded components, and new SCII carbon fiber formulation, with 29 spinning and 8 casting models retailing $115-$145. New TRIUMPH TRAVEL, SALMON & STEELHEAD, and COMBO lines featuring the SEVIIN TORIX 2500 reel are also available.

YUM introduces the Mother Bug, a hybrid craw/flipping bug designed for durability and realistic action. Available in 3.75- and 4.25-inch sizes with pro-selected colors, the lure features a reinforced head, Tex-pose bump for weedless rigging, and micro-appendages for lifelike vibration at an MSRP of $3.99.

Beginning July 31, a portion of the Missouri River in Great Falls will close to public use from downstream of Broadwater Bay Boat Ramp to Black Eagle Dam. NorthWestern Energy will temporarily draw down the river to allow construction crews to complete critical upgrades as part of the Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project, including installing new support structures and spillway components.

Charles Gaines, noted outdoors writer and author of "Stay Hungry" and cowriter of "Pumping Iron," both adapted into films featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, passed away Tuesday at 84. A lifelong bird hunter and angler who fished in over 25 countries, Gaines was also credited as one of paintball's inventors.

DAIWA's all-new BG SW and LT spinning reel series won Best Saltwater Reel at ICAST 2026. The reels launched simultaneously across all DAIWA markets globally, with BG SW featuring POWERDRIVE DESIGN for heavy saltwater species and BG LT offering AIRDRIVE DESIGN for light-tackle finesse work.

Seakeeper launches the Seakeeper 7.5 gyrostabilizer, delivering 25% more stabilizing power in 20% less volume for boats 45-54 feet, alongside enhanced Seakeeper 5 and Seakeeper 10.5 models. The new system reaches stabilization 50% faster than its predecessor and integrates with Seakeeper Ride for unified motion control.

The 38th Annual Tampa Digital Photo All-Release Challenge, sponsored by T.A. Mahoney Co. and held in memory of Captain Richard Seward, invites anglers to compete at Tampa Bay Watch. The tournament features multiple divisions for redfish, snook, and trout, with fishing on September 26th and sponsorship opportunities available.

Ride the Bull 15, the world's largest kayak fishing tournament, returns to Grand Isle, Louisiana on August 28-29, 2026. Presenting sponsors Bonafide, Academy Sports + Outdoors, GARMIN, The Backpacker, YakPower, and Bazooka are offering premium prize packages, with Friday featuring a pre-party with live music from the Honey Island Swamp Band and Saturday hosting the main competition in Caminada Pass.

For many offshore anglers, the hardest fight of the day ends with half a fish.

A heavy snapper or grouper comes steadily toward the surface, only to disappear in a violent strike halfway up. What's left at the boat is often little more than a head, the rest having been claimed by a shark.

The problem, known as shark depredation, has become one of the biggest frustrations in reef fishing. It costs anglers fish, tackle and time, while increasing mortality on fish that otherwise might have survived release. Charter captains say it can ruin a day's trip, and some fishermen now leave productive reefs after repeated shark attacks.

NOAA Fisheries has acknowledged the growing concern and is developing a national strategy to better understand what's causing the problem and what, if anything, can be done about it.

One question dominates dockside conversations: Are there simply more sharks?

The answer isn't straightforward.

Some shark populations have recovered under federal management. Atlantic blacktip sharks, for example, are considered rebuilt. Others have not. Dusky sharks remain under rebuilding plans, while the status of several species commonly blamed for depredation is still uncertain.

Among reef fishermen in the South Atlantic and Gulf, sandbar sharks and bull sharks are frequently mentioned as the primary offenders.

To determine whether changing abundance is contributing to increased depredation, NOAA began a new stock assessment of sandbar sharks in May. It is the first since 2018, with results expected in early 2027. Scientists will also evaluate new assessment methods that, if successful, could later be applied to bull sharks, whose stock status remains unknown.

Population size, however, may be only part of the story.

Researchers increasingly suspect that some sharks learn to associate fishing boats with an easy meal. The sound of engines, fish struggling on hooked lines, or the routine release of undersized fish may condition individual sharks to patrol popular fishing areas.

Most experienced bottom fishermen have seen something similar. A reef may produce several fish without incident before sharks suddenly arrive. After that, nearly every hooked fish is intercepted before reaching the boat.

NOAA hopes to learn whether those attacks are being carried out by a relatively small number of individual sharks that repeatedly visit fishing grounds or whether the behavior is widespread throughout local populations.

To find out, agency scientists are launching acoustic telemetry studies in several areas of the Gulf where depredation is especially common. Captured sharks will be fitted with acoustic transmitters, while underwater listening stations record their movements over the course of a year.

At the same time, charter captains and recreational anglers fishing those same areas will report their fishing activity and depredation events, allowing researchers to compare shark movements with reported losses.

Another focus is shark deterrents.

Over the years, anglers have experimented with everything from magnets to electromagnetic devices in hopes of discouraging sharks from attacking hooked fish. Results have been inconsistent.

NOAA is now working with state agencies, universities and private researchers to evaluate the available research. The review will examine not only whether various deterrents reduce depredation, but whether they're practical and affordable enough for widespread use. The agency says it also intends to continue supporting research into new deterrent technologies.

Regulations are also part of the discussion.

Commercial shark fishing effort has declined over the past decade, and most recreational shark anglers now release their catch. NOAA is considering additional regulatory changes for Atlantic and Gulf shark fisheries to keep harvest limits aligned with the latest stock assessments while providing greater flexibility for both commercial and recreational fishermen.

Whether those measures will have any measurable effect on depredation remains uncertain.

For anglers who target reef fish, the significance of NOAA's effort is that the agency is treating shark depredation as more than an isolated complaint. The issue affects recreational and commercial fishermen alike and raises questions about fisheries management, shark conservation and angler satisfaction.

None of the research underway is likely to produce immediate answers. Stock assessments, tagging studies and evaluations of deterrents all take time.

But for fishermen who have watched productive reefs become increasingly difficult to fish because of persistent shark attacks, the effort represents the most comprehensive attempt yet to separate perception from science—and, ultimately, to identify solutions that allow healthy shark populations and productive reef fisheries to coexist.

(To learn more about shark depredation and what you can do to decrease it, visit Return ‘Em Right here.)

– Frank Sargeant, Editor, The Water Wire