The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is accepting nominations through Nov. 1 for individuals or organizations who've made significant contributions to fishing in Texas. The 2026 inductees—the Pierce brothers (Clayton and late Jason) and Michael Scherer—will be honored at a ceremony this October at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens.

The Honda Marine Cup fishing tournament returns to Gooimeer lake on September 19, 2026, featuring 100 boats in its largest event to date. Organized by Honda Marine Europe with support from Michel Oostdijk, Daan Verbruggen, and Frank van Vliet, the catch-and-release competition emphasizes community engagement and family atmosphere.

Belize and conservation partners signed the Turneffe Conservation Land Trust Agreement on August 19, permanently protecting approximately 17,000 acres of Turneffe Atoll's critical flats habitat for bonefish, permit, and tarpon. The landmark deal, culminating eight years of negotiations led by Craig Hayes of Turneffe Flats, secures the land under public ownership while prohibiting dredging and unsustainable development.

Maryland's underwater grass coverage in the Chesapeake Bay increased nearly 13% in 2025, expanding from 36,799 to 41,419 acres. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science conducted the annual survey, with Maryland DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz noting the gains provide critical habitat for blue crabs, fish, and wildlife while improving water quality.

The Chesapeake Bay's underwater grass coverage increased 7% to 89,385 acres in 2025, according to monitoring by William & Mary's Virginia Institute of Marine Science. The growth brings the Bay within 615 acres of its 2030 interim goal and represents 45% of the long-term target of 196,600 acres set in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited Glenn Lebouef for three counts of violating charter boat regulations in Jefferson Parish. Lebouef allegedly operated illegal charter fishing trips from Bridgeside Marina without required licenses, Coast Guard certification, or insurance.

The BoatUS Foundation announced speakers for its 2026 Turning the Tide Summit (Dec. 6-9, New Orleans), featuring Noah Lirette, Paul Salach, Capt. Rob Butler, Vince Bowhers, Kelsey Bonham Bailey, Trey Sherard, Roy Brown, Brigitte Berry, and Rusty Batey discussing abandoned and derelict vessel removal and disposal solutions.

The 20th Annual Fly Fishing Film Tour, presented by AZ Fly Shop, comes to the Desert Botanical Garden on Sept. 20. Net proceeds from the AZ Fly Shop Charity Auction benefit Wildlife for Tomorrow, supporting Arizona Game and Fish Department hatchery improvements and conservation projects.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that the Lower Klamath River adult fall-run Chinook salmon quota has been met as of September 13, 2026, triggering a closure of the adult Chinook salmon fishery below Highway 96 Bridge near Weitchpec. Jack salmon harvest remains permitted, and anglers may continue fishing for adult Chinook in other Klamath Basin reaches.

NOAA Fisheries released updated recreational fishing effort and catch estimates for hundreds of species dating back to 1981, reflecting improvements to the Fishing Effort Survey design. The revised estimates show systematically lower total catch with smaller margins of error and will be integrated into stock assessments beginning in late 2026.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and Spokane Tribe of Indians will conduct a four-week setline survey for juvenile white sturgeon in Lake Roosevelt's upper portion to assess survival and growth of young fish.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division explains the complex factors behind fish stocking decisions, including natural reproduction success, survival rates, costs exceeding $11 million annually, and habitat suitability. Tim Cwalinski and Marcee Wardell detail why many Michigan waters don't require stocking despite angler requests.

The DEC's Shark and Sturgeon Salvage Program collects information on deceased sharks and sturgeon that wash ashore to identify causes of death. Biological samples are shared with academic and scientific researchers to facilitate studies that inform fisheries management. Public reports of deceased animals can be submitted through DEC's Marine Life Incident Report survey.

NOAA Fisheries awarded $103 million in funding for 16 habitat restoration projects across the country, including work by Trout Unlimited, California Trout, the Nez Perce Tribe, Wild Salmon Center, and Ducks Unlimited to restore critical fish habitats from coral reefs to salmon rivers.

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission enacted updates to Fisheries Orders 254 and 205, effective September 10, 2026. Changes clarify possession limits for trout and salmon in inland lakes and align lake sturgeon regulations on the Menominee River with Wisconsin's rules.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is sponsoring a free fishing day for women on September 26 at Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon. No license or daily tag fee is required, and volunteers plus the Bennett Spring Fly Tying Group will provide assistance and live fly-tying demonstrations throughout the day.

September brings large redfish moving to deep water to spawn around Texas jetties and coastal passes, with peak numbers in October. The catch-and-release record of 60.5" is held by Wendy Covey. Size limits are 20"-28", with tagging requirements for oversized fish.

Captain Nick Stanczyk of Bud 'N Mary's Marina in Islamorada shares swordfishing techniques including using Garmin 3KW Transducers, Penn Electric reels, and Mustad Swordfish #7691S DeltaPoint hooks with strip baits to target 1000-pound swordfish in deepwater shelf depths off the Florida Keys.

Lake Thunderbird, covering over 5,000 acres near Norman, offers excellent fall fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, and catfish. The cooler water temperatures and aggressive feeding patterns make it an ideal time to visit this publicly accessible lake.

B.A.S.S. announced the 2027 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series nine-event schedule, featuring stops at Lake Okeechobee, Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Lake Hartwell for the Bassmaster Classic, Sabine River, Lake Fork, Lake Seminole, and northern destinations. The schedule tests angler versatility across diverse fisheries from Florida largemouth waters to northern smallmouth destinations.

Z-Man and Evergreen International have released four new ChatterBait® JackHammer™ bladed jig colors developed with Bassmaster pro Brett Hite: Cold Shad, Secret White, Morizo Pink, and Pumpkin Gold in 3/8- and 1/2-ounce sizes. Four additional colors are now available in the 3/4-ounce JackHammer.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced $892,200 in Fisheries Habitat Grants for ten conservation projects across Michigan counties. Funded by fishing license sales and state general funds, projects include dam removal, woody habitat restoration, and fish passage improvements by organizations including Michigan Trout Unlimited, Friends of the Rouge, and the Little Manistee Watershed Conservation Council.

The American Sportfishing Association is hiring a Membership Development & Services Specialist in Alexandria, Virginia. The full-time position, reporting to the Director of Membership, offers a salary of $60,000–$70,000 and involves recruiting and retaining members, managing membership records, and supporting ASA events including ICAST and the Sportfishing Summit.

Yamaha Marine expands its Yamaha Blue Life series with a feature on photographer and freediver Ben Yavar, who leads expeditions combining freediving, photography and exploration. Yavar, originally from El Monte, Chile, has earned international recognition including a finalist selection for Ocean Photographer of the Year and relies on Yamaha outboards to power his dive boat.

Mike Komara, owner of Innovative Angling and Fly Fishing Team USA member, discusses competitive fly fishing on the Fly Fisherman Loop to Loop podcast with Ross Purnell. The episode covers Team USA's preparation for the 45th World Fly Fishing Championship in Idaho, featuring team members Pat Weiss, Jack Arnot, Cody Burgdorff, Devin Olsen, Michael Bradley, and Austin Shoemaker.

Clam Outdoors announces the ClamAYR™ Boondocker Ice Fishing Model, featuring proprietary AYRTruss Design™ technology, fully insulated thermal wall panels, and STORMSKIN fabric. The shelter weighs under 100 lbs, sets up in minutes, and is priced at $2,499.99.

DAIWA launches the TANACOM S300J, a compact 300-size power-assist reel featuring a BRITZ motor, 623 feet-per-minute retrieval speed, and 28.6 lbs. of drag. Priced at $899.99, the reel makes electric fishing accessible to traditional offshore anglers seeking handheld deep-dropping without premium costs.

Z-Man® introduced Forge™ Premium Alloy Flipping Weights as an affordable alternative to expensive tungsten weights. The specialized alloy construction offers increased hardness and sensitivity compared to standard lead, with Matt Allen of Tactical Bassin' endorsing them as a viable solution to the tungsten supply crisis.

¥EN, imported by Duckett Fishing, introduces the ASHI, a JDM-style urchin soft plastic featuring 42 responsive legs and a 33 x 15 mm elongated body designed for subtle movement and precise presentation around pressured bass. The bait pairs with the ¥EN Qwik Rig terminal system for refined presentations.

Savage Gear introduces the 3D Whitefish Weedless Paddle Tail and Pulse Tail swimbaits, pre-rigged finesse baits designed to fool pressured fish. Built from a 3D scan of a real whitefish, these baits feature realistic profiles, embedded glass rattles, and weedless EWG hooks in 5-inch and 6-inch sizes, available now at $9.99.

Whitewater Fishing introduces the Basin Deck Boot, a 100% waterproof fishing boot combining athletic shoe support with rain protection. Featuring vulcanized construction, 3mm neoprene, anti-slip outsoles, and a contoured polyurethane insole, the boot is designed for all-day comfort and durability on the water.

Whitewater Fishing introduces the Basin Deck Boot, a 100% waterproof fishing boot featuring vulcanized construction, 3mm neoprene with air mesh, and a contoured polyurethane insole for all-day support and comfort. According to Doug Veldhuizen, Merchandise Manager for Whitewater Fishing, the boot keeps feet dry, warm, and supported so anglers can focus on fishing instead of surviving conditions.

Z-Man has released the MudStudZ, a pre-rigged bottom-contact swimbait designed for inshore fishing across oyster reefs and rocky bottoms. The bait features a low center of gravity, exclusive SWAG™ tail, and 10X Tough ElaZtech® construction, available in ten regional forage-matched colors from Texas to Virginia.

Duckett Fishing is importing ¥EN, a Japanese-inspired soft plastics and terminal tackle line designed for pressured American bass water. The system features KIPA keepers to secure baits and GOMU density ratings for informed selection, launching in September with the flagship ¥EN ASHI bait.

Berkley introduces the Doom Stroller, a hard bait designed for forward-facing sonar anglers targeting suspended bass. The lure combines hard bait durability with precision weighting and natural rolling action, available in three sizes and 15 color patterns at $16.99, launching September 2026.

The Missouri Department of Conservation will close Tuscumbia Access starting September 20 through mid-October for riverbank stabilization repairs to address erosion damage. The public is encouraged to use Kings Bluff Access or Bagnell Dam Access to reach the Osage River during construction.

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) announced Kelly Long's appointment as Executive Vice President, effective October 19, 2026. Long brings decades of leadership experience from Rather Outdoors and Martin Reel Company, along with public policy expertise from his work in the offices of U.S. Senators Tim Scott and Jim DeMint.

Alumacraft unveils its 2027 model year featuring the all-new Navigator 165 and 175, updated Competitor and Trophy designators, and the new Dominator tiller series. The lineup includes product enhancements such as improved livewell systems, expanded rigging options including Yamaha Digital Electric Steering, and new color combinations across multiple series.

Season 19 of "Addicted to the Outdoors" premieres on Outdoor Channel with new episodes every Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET, featuring Raven Brunson taking over hosting duties from her parents Jon and Gina Brunson. The season follows Raven's outdoor adventures across hunting, fishing, and spearfishing destinations, including appearances with Browning Trail Cameras.

Cody Morgan of Green Cove Springs, Florida, won the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament at St. Johns River with 61 pounds, 9 ounces over two days, earning $3,920. Danny Hinton of Saint Cloud, Florida, won the co-angler division with 17 pounds, 12 ounces for $1,810.

Mud Hole Custom Tackle and Mighty River Recovery are hosting the Mud Hole St. Johns Showdown, a two-angler team bass tournament on Lake Monroe in Sanford, Florida on November 22, 2026. Entry is $150 per boat with 100 percent payback, and all sponsor funds and raffle sales support Mighty River Recovery's St. Johns River restoration efforts.

Major League Fishing announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Blackbass Clube de Portugal to operate MLF-sanctioned tournaments, providing Portuguese anglers a pathway to compete internationally through the MLF Toyota Series Championship under the leadership of José Miguel.

The 1st Annual FWC Pensacola Lionfish Invitational Tournament and Festival takes place Sept. 24–27 at Plaza de Luna, Palafox Pier in Pensacola, Florida. The event combines competitive lionfish removal with family-friendly festival activities to raise awareness about invasive species management and marine conservation.

I’ve worn retainer cords on my sunglasses for as long as I can remember. They are cheap insurance against losing a pair overboard, dropping them in the surf or simply not having them handy when I need them. As the years accumulated, I eventually put cords on my reading glasses, too. Sometimes I walk around with three pairs of glasses dangling from my neck. I sort of click and clatter as I walk—you don't care if people think you are odd after a certain age.

Ombraz takes the idea of a retainer cord and makes it the entire sunglasses frame.

There are no temple arms. Instead, an adjustable woven cord runs from one side of the frame around the back of your head. The result looks strange for about five minutes, until you start using the glasses. Then the concept begins to make sense for anyone who spends time around boats.

The first thing I noticed was what wasn't there: nothing pressing against my ears and nothing to catch on the arms of a fishing hat. The glasses sit securely on the bridge of the nose, with the cord providing the tension normally supplied by conventional temple pieces. In fact, you can leave the cord fairly loose because the frames are shaped to sit securely against your nose and cheeks. Tighten it when you're moving around in rough water, or loosen it and let the glasses hang around your neck when you don't need them. With Ombraz, the retention system is part of the glasses.

The company offers several frame designs, including models aimed specifically at outdoor and water use. The newer Azzurro is the most obviously marine-oriented, with a wraparound design, polarized Zeiss lenses and coatings intended to deal with water, sweat and sunscreen. The Teton and Dolomite models have integrated side shields that help block peripheral glare, a useful feature when you're staring across bright water for hours.

Polarization remains the big reason I wear sunglasses while fishing. It cuts reflected glare from the surface and makes it easier to see into the water, particularly when looking for fish, structure or changes in bottom composition. Ombraz offers polarized lenses in several colors. For general freshwater fishing, I found the contrast of a brown lens appealing; gray is a good choice for extremely bright conditions and offshore use.

The glasses are also easy to stow. There are no hinges to fold and no temple arms to snap, bend or break. 

The company also offers vented side shields that clip on, a useful option for flats anglers looking for the telltale shadow of a redfish or bonefish gliding through shallow water. The vents help prevent the lenses from steaming up.

The design isn't perfect for every situation. The cord takes a little getting used to, and anybody accustomed to traditional sunglasses may initially wonder whether the things will stay put. They do, for the most part. And if they blow off at 60 mph, they aren't going over the side—the retainer is still doing its job.

I would also check the glasses against the particular electronics on a boat before choosing polarized lenses. Polarization can make some LCD displays difficult to read from certain angles. That's a characteristic of polarized eyewear rather than a flaw unique to Ombraz.

The biggest question is whether eliminating the temple arms provides enough advantage to justify paying roughly $160 for models such as the Teton and around $195 for the Azzurro. For somebody who rarely gets around water, probably not. Conventional sunglasses work fine, and you can put a cord on them.

Better lenses—like these from famed optics company Zeiss, can provide sharper optics, more consistent polarization and better coatings. But I've also bought $15 polarized sunglasses that did a surprisingly good job of cutting glare, and for many anglers they may be perfectly adequate. The difference becomes more noticeable in demanding conditions—long hours in bright sun, sight-fishing or situations where optical clarity really matters. Cheap doesn't automatically mean useless, just as expensive doesn't automatically mean better for every angler.

Ombraz is asking you to pay for more than the lenses, of course. Much of what you're buying is the unusual retention system and the convenience of having no arms to break, bend or lose. And of course, they do add a bit of style.

Glasses get dropped, stepped on, knocked off consoles and lost overboard. Hats complicate the fit. Retainer cords get tangled. Glasses are constantly being taken off and put back on while driving, fishing, tying knots, reading electronics and digging through tackle.

I've spent decades adding cords to sunglasses because I didn't want to lose them. Ombraz simply asks why the cord shouldn't be the part that holds the glasses on in the first place.

Details at www.ombraz.com. 

– Frank Sargeant, Editor, The Water Wire