Yamaha Marine Connected Boat Division announced an expanded partnership with Skipperi, a Yamaha-owned boat club platform enabling dealers to generate recurring revenue. The technology handles reservations, payments, and fleet management while dealers control customer relationships. The Boathouse Dealership/Marina on Hilton Head Island launched the pilot program in May 2024.

West Marine, Inc. successfully emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, reducing debt by over $265 million and securing $10 million in exit financing. The nation's leading marine aftermarket provider will continue serving customers through approximately 100 retail locations, its online platform, and West Marine Pro business.

Boston Whaler employees delivered school supplies and snacks to four local Florida elementary schools through their annual "Boatload of Backpacks" program, now in its 16th year. The initiative, supported by the Boston Whaler Activities Committee, provided essential classroom materials to Coronado Beach Elementary, Edgewater Elementary, Indian River Elementary, and Burns Science & Tech.

Major League Fishing announced that the 2027 Columbia PFG College Fishing National Championship will be held on Toledo Bend Reservoir in Hemphill, Texas, February 10-12, 2027. The event will feature top collegiate teams competing for a $56,000 prize package, including a Phoenix 818 Pro bass boat and advancement to the Toyota Series Championship and REDCREST 2028.

The Lake George Conservation Area in Volusia and Putnam counties offers an 11-mile self-guided scenic drive managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District. The route features 10 interpretive stops showcasing hardwood swamp and pine flatwoods habitats, wildlife viewing opportunities, and sustainable land management practices across the nearly 12,000-acre area.

EGLE and its Office of the Great Lakes invite Michiganders to celebrate World Lake Day on August 27, the UN's second annual recognition dedicated to preserving and sustainably managing the world's lakes. The celebration includes a webinar co-hosted by AquaVox and Water Solutionaries featuring Emily Finnell, head of the OGL, along with outdoor activities, educational resources, and community engagement opportunities.

Krissy Sardina with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and AmeriCorps members Chuck Taylor and Bradley Gooch from the Bureau of Indian Affairs WaterCorps monitor the Red River for invasive carp. The team tracks approximately 88 adult carp while conducting early detection sampling for larvae, with no larval invasive carp documented in the system yet.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, partnering with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and Trout Unlimited, will conduct a rotenone treatment on Mill Creek in September to remove illegally-introduced brook trout and restore native Bonneville cutthroat trout populations.

Fifty artificial reef structures have been deployed 12 miles off Collier County's coast by the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida, supported by grants from the Collier Community Foundation and Collier County. The reefs will create habitats for fish and sea life while improving water quality through filtering organisms.

Researchers from NOAA Fisheries' Office of Habitat Conservation and Cal Poly Humboldt monitored coho salmon before, during, and after Prairie Creek habitat restoration in Northern California. Early findings show juvenile coho using restored habitat grew faster and experienced higher ocean survival rates, with 2.6 percent marine survival compared to previous estimates of one percent.

CCA Florida, the Collier Community Foundation, and Collier County completed Phase 1 of the CCA Taylor-Martin Reef, deploying 50 prefabricated reef modules 12-13 miles offshore from Gordon's Pass. The $110,100 project includes 32 Goliath Reef Balls and 18 Supra Reef Balls manufactured by Reef Innovations to expand artificial reef habitat and support marine life in Southwest Florida.

The ZEBCO School of Fish announced record-breaking results for 2026, graduating 719 youth and hosting 31 schools. Co-founder Mike Frisch highlighted the program's continued popularity and its role in promoting fishing as an exciting family activity across Minnesota.

DAIWA will showcase its 60th Anniversary TATULA baitcasting reels and rods at the 2026 Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River in Clayton, August 27-30. DAIWA pro anglers and special guest Randy Moss will meet fans at the booth, with products available through Lakeside Bait & Tackle.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is hosting free September programs at Cape Girardeau Nature Center, including Fly Casting 101 on September 5 and Open Archery for Beginners on September 8, offering outdoor skills training for all ages and experience levels.

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Bryant Pond are hosting a Women's Spring Outdoor Skills Weekend August 29-30 for women 18+ of all experience levels. Participants can choose hands-on sessions including campfire cooking, waterfowl hunting, fly tying, and wall climbing.

Idaho Fish and Game issued a salvage order for Winder Reservoir in Franklin County from August 14 through October 31, 2026. Twin Lakes Canal Company is draining the reservoir for irrigation, with water levels expected to drop by September 4, making a salvage order necessary to maximize public use of the fish.

Following six years of litigation, the Wake County (North Carolina) Superior Court has ruled in favor of the Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina and 86 citizen plaintiffs, finding the State violated its legal duty to protect coastal fisheries under the public-trust doctrine. 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding public workshops in August and September to gather input on updating oyster harvest regulations in Dixie, Levy, and Citrus counties. The workshops will cover resource status, fishery history, and potential management changes including harvest seasons, limits, and licensing requirements.

NOAA Fisheries implemented increased bluefin tuna quotas following successful U.S. negotiations at the 2025 ICCAT annual meeting. The baseline annual bluefin tuna quota increased from 1,316.14 to 1,509.58 metric tons, with pelagic longline bycatch set-aside quota rising from 25 to 62.5 metric tons, representing a 17 percent total increase.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host a meeting on Aug. 27 in Bozeman to discuss the proposed 2027-30 Statewide Fisheries Management Plan and 2027-28 fishing regulations. The plan, updated every four years, identifies statewide fisheries-management goals and strategies to sustain Montana's fisheries and angling opportunities.

Fish biologist Jason Marsik with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Dr. Jason Doll at Francis Marion University used acoustic transmitters to track striped bass movements in the Great Pee Dee River, generating nearly 95,000 data points over three years. The research revealed two distinct movement patterns and identified a gap in summer habitat use, directing future Sport Fish Restoration efforts.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks released the proposed 2027–2030 Statewide Fisheries Management Plan for public review. A Region 1 meeting will be held September 3 at 6 p.m. at the Kalispell FWP office, with public comments due September 14.

The Missouri Department of Conservation has stocked over 6,000 juvenile alligator gar since 2007 through a multi-state partnership with Mississippi and Oklahoma wildlife agencies. Taylor Bookout, MDC's fisheries biologist, notes that alligator gar play an important ecological role by consuming injured or sick fish, helping maintain healthy waterbodies and sport fish populations.

Louisiana's recreational Red Snapper season will reopen for two four-day periods: August 27-30, 2026 and September 4-7, 2026, based on creel data showing 35,109 pounds remaining from the state's 882,439-pound annual allocation.

Banks Shaw, 23, became MLF's youngest bass-fishing millionaire after finishing third at Stop 6 Presented by VOSKER at Lake Champlain and winning the 7 Brew Angler of the Year award. Shaw surpassed Drew Gill's previous record by just five months, earning $608,740 this season while continuing his studies at the University of North Alabama.

Check out these techniques for catching bluegill, redear, and pumpkinseed sunfish in Virginia waters. The article covers lure fishing with grubs and spinnerbaits like Beetle Spin, fly fishing with sponge rubber spiders, and live bait methods using worms and crickets for fast-action panfish outings.

Lake Erie experienced spectacular walleye fishing in July, the second-best ever recorded, with anglers catching 13 walleye per boat trip and one in three reaching their limit of six. Stellar fishing is expected to continue in August, with the Lake Erie and Western New York Fishing Hotline providing regularly updated reports.

Jay Anglin, a 30-year fishing guide, shares expert topwater tactics for late summer bass fishing. The article covers timing, structure exploitation, lure selection including poppers and Zara Spooks, and equipment recommendations, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and patience to consistently catch trophy fish.

North Carolina's recreational flounder harvest season opens September 1-14, 2026, with a one-fish daily bag limit and 15-inch minimum size. The Division of Marine Fisheries requires anglers to report catches through their online system. The two-week season reflects ongoing efforts to rebuild the depleted southern flounder stock.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission invites anglers of all ages to participate in the Big Catch program, a family-friendly freshwater angler recognition initiative. Participants can catch from over 30 eligible species and earn certificates, with easier qualifying sizes available for youth anglers under 16 years old.

Capt. Damon Sacco and angler Walter Chapman caught a 1,260-pound Atlantic blue marlin off Cape Cod aboard the Castafari, setting a new U.S. East Coast record. The fish, believed to be 25-30 years old, came within 142 pounds of the all-tackle world record and shattered the previous Massachusetts state record by nearly 400 pounds.

As water temperatures cool in fall, walleye behavior shifts dramatically—fish move shallow, feed more aggressively throughout the day, and pursue larger baits. The article covers seasonal pattern changes, feeding windows, and techniques including using EGO's S2 Slider net and soft-sided bait cooler for successful fall walleye fishing.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds anglers to follow state regulations during late-summer fishing season, including immediately releasing caught fish except for brief measurement or photography. The Department urges anglers to keep fish caught from depths greater than 25 feet due to barotrauma risks.

Capt. John Keizer of Salt Patrol targets Chinook and coho salmon from offshore to the Columbia River using downriggers with Seaguar Smackdown braid, Penn Fathom reels, and Prolite rods. He employs lighted flashers at depths near 200 feet and beach trolling techniques with Yakima Bait Spin-N-Fish to intercept migrating salmon.

The Livingston Lures Walking Boss topwater bait is designed for bass anglers seeking explosive strikes. Proper setup with a 7'4" topwater rod, 150-size reel, and 55-pound braid line is essential for maximizing performance and hook-setting power throughout spring through fall seasons.

Idaho Fish and Game received a $1.65 million federal grant through the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program to expand its Access Yes! program, which compensates landowners for providing hunting and fishing access on private land. The funding will support competitive lease rates and increase enrolled acres over three years, with additional support for a Teton Valley wildlife viewing project.

Trout Unlimited President and CEO Chris Wood discusses the Roadless Rule with Fly Fisherman Magazine Publisher Ross Purnell on episode #36 of the Fly Fisherman Loop to Loop podcast. Wood defends the conservation measure protecting 59 million acres of national forest lands, emphasizing its importance for trout and salmon fisheries and public lands preservation.

Daiwa introduces the Iprimi LT spinning reel, a trout-specific platform featuring advanced Airdrive architecture and Zaion V material. Available in 1000 and 2000 sizes, the reel is engineered for ultralight finesse fishing with specialized features like the LC-ABS spool and Airdrive bail to handle micro-lures and light lines.

Plano has launched the StowAll Gear Case, a lightweight EVA hard-shell organizer designed to protect and transport gear. Available in medium ($29.99) and large ($34.99) sizes, the case features an oversized zipper pull and EZ Label panel, fitting easily into Plano GoNow Boxes, Sportsman's Trunks, backpacks, and luggage.

A Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge ruled in favor of the City of Miami, allowing a November referendum on the future of Rickenbacker Marina to proceed. The ballot proposal includes a new lease for Virginia Key's approximately 27.62 acres, with RCI Group and Suntex Marinas proposing $80 million in private investment and minimum annual rent of $2.2 million plus 6% of gross revenues.

Alabama's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources launches the new My Outdoor Alabama license system on August 24 for the 2026-2027 hunting and fishing seasons. The cloud-based platform, developed with Tyler Technologies, offers improved accessibility for people with disabilities, easier account management, and streamlined license purchasing through MyOutdoorAlabama.com and the updated Outdoor AL app.

The Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) is running a summer 2026 membership recruitment campaign through September 30, offering monthly prize drawings and Grand Prize conference attendance. The drive targets outdoor media professionals, brands, conservation organizations, and tourism destinations, with prizes including SPYPOINT Game Cameras and free memberships.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit appointed Scott Hersey as Pro Staff and Sponsorship Manager. Hersey manages Yamaha's professional angler programs and tournament sponsorships, including the Bassmaster Elite Tournament Series and Coastal Conservation Association STAR tournaments.

Marketplace Events announced dates for its 6-show outdoor series, including the new Denver Sport and Outdoor Show in February 2027. The series features The Portland Boat Show, Washington Sportsmen's Show, Pacific Northwest Sportsmen's Show, Great Alaska Sportsman Show, and Central Oregon Sportsmen's Show, with combined attendance of approximately 150,000.

The 2026 Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River promises record-breaking smallmouth weights, with 2022 Rookie of the Year Jay Przekurat expecting totals between 104-107 pounds. The Aug. 27-30 event will also decide the tight Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year race between Trey McKinney, Drew Cook, and Cory Johnston.

CCA Louisiana's Ride the Bull XV, the world's largest kayak fishing tournament, returns to Grand Isle August 28-29 for its 15th anniversary. The 100% catch-and-release bull redfish competition features a record $18,000 prize table, live music from Honey Island Swamp Band, and supports Louisiana's redfish restocking program.

The 1st Annual FWC Pensacola Lionfish Invitational Tournament and Festival takes place Sept. 24–27 at Plaza de Luna, Palafox Pier in Pensacola, Florida. Teams compete to remove invasive lionfish while raising conservation awareness. Registration closes Aug. 21, with teams limited to four participants.

As Labor Day comes over the horizon and the kids head back to school, it’s time to give your boat the TLC you may have been putting off to avoid problems—and also to get ready for the prime fall fishing that’s just ahead.

Propeller and Gear Case
The propeller and gearcase have probably had a busy summer, and the lower unit deserves more attention than simply checking whether the prop is still attached. Pull the prop and look for fishing line wrapped around the prop shaft. Particularly with braid, even a few strands can work their way into the prop-shaft seal and eventually allow water into the gearcase.    

While the prop is off, inspect the blades for nicks and bends and check the hub for signs of slippage. Spin the shaft by hand and look for anything that doesn't seem right. If the prop has been removed several times during the summer, inspect the hardware and reinstall it according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Then look at the gearcase lubricant. Drain a small amount into a clean container. Healthy gear oil should not look milky. A milky appearance indicates water intrusion, which means the seals need attention before the boat goes back into serious service. If the oil contains substantial metal particles or chips, that's another reason to have the gearcase checked rather than simply putting fresh oil in it and hoping for the best.

Change the engine oil if you're due.

If your four-stroke has accumulated enough hours to reach its scheduled oil change, don't postpone it because summer is almost over. Many modern outboards use a 100-hour or annual interval, but the owner's manual for your particular engine is the final authority. Mercury and Yamaha both specify regular engine-oil and filter changes as part of scheduled maintenance.

For a boat that has spent the summer trolling, idling and making repeated short runs, an oil change can be especially worthwhile. Those conditions can be harder on engine oil than a boat that spends most of its time running at cruising speed.

Don't ignore the fuel system.

A boat that has been used heavily all summer has had plenty of opportunities to accumulate condensation, sediment or water in the fuel system. Check the water-separating filter and replace it if it's due or shows contamination. Look over the fuel lines, connections and primer bulb for deterioration, leaks or soft spots.

This is also a good time to inspect the tank and think about how much fuel will remain aboard as fall approaches. Fuel doesn't improve with age, and modern engines are particularly intolerant of contaminated fuel. Follow the engine manufacturer's recommendations for fuel treatment rather than simply pouring an assortment of additives into the tank. Yamaha, for example, specifically includes fuel filters and fuel treatment among its routine maintenance items. Fuel treatment like Merc’s Quickare or Quickstor can prevent condensation over the winter, eliminating starting problems next spring.

Flush, inspect and protect the cooling system.

Saltwater leaves evidence, even when you can't see much of it. If the boat operates in salt or brackish water, flush the cooling system with fresh water according to the engine manufacturer's procedure.

While you're at it, look at the telltale stream the next time the engine is running on the water or on an approved flushing device. A weak or missing stream can indicate an obstruction or cooling-system problem, maybe the need for a new water pump impeller, although some engines don't produce a strong telltale stream at idle.

Inspect the sacrificial anodes, too. They're supposed to corrode, but when they're substantially depleted, they need replacement. Don't paint them or coat them with anything that isolates them from the water; their job depends on electrical contact with the surrounding water.

Give the batteries and electrical system a hard look.

Summer heat and vibration are tough on batteries and electrical connections, and a connection can be corroded inside even when it looks acceptable from the outside. Remove the battery terminals, clean the mating surfaces, reinstall them tightly and inspect the cables for swelling, corrosion or damaged insulation. Yamaha recommends that battery connections be clean and tight and specifically warns that corrosion can create voltage loss and intermittent electrical problems.

If the starting battery has been sluggish, don't wait for the first cold morning to discover that it is finished. Have it load-tested. Check the charging system as well, particularly if you've noticed electronics resetting, slow cranking or unusual voltage readings.

Look at the steering, controls and hardware.

A summer of running rough water can loosen things that were tight in May. Check the steering system for play or binding, inspect control connections and look over the hardware attaching the engine to the transom. Check hoses, clamps and wiring for chafe. Give the trim-and-tilt system a visual inspection and look for hydraulic-fluid leaks. Lube all indicated ports.

This is not the time to improvise repairs on critical steering or engine-mounting components. If something doesn't look or feel right, have a qualified technician inspect it.

Finally, don't forget the trailer.

Check the tires for uneven wear, cracks and proper inflation. Remember, most trailer tires require a LOT more pressure than car and truck tires. Inspect the wheel bearings and brakes, look at the bunks or rollers and make sure the lights and wiring still work. If you've spent the summer launching in saltwater, rinse the trailer thoroughly and pay particular attention to the brakes, hubs and other components exposed to salt.

Fall often brings some of the best fishing of the year, and the last thing you want is to spend the first cool Saturday morning of the season sitting in the driveway with a dead battery, contaminated fuel or a gearcase full of water.

– Frank Sargeant, Editor, The Water Wire