The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) announced Arthur "Art" Weston as a Master Angler Award recipient, the highest distinction in the IGFA Master Angler Program. Weston, a light tackle specialist, achieved Gold Tier status across five categories and has set 93 IGFA World Records since 2012, including a 128.37-kilogram alligator gar on 6-pound test.

Flamingo Marine has entered series production with its first customer ROVE 245 pontoon boats and announced expanded leadership, appointing Adam McCall as Chairman and CEO, with co-founders Brian Davis and Eric Davis transitioning to Sales, Marketing & Service and Design & Engineering roles respectively. Richard Haveman joins as VP of Operations.

Groupe Beneteau announced the suspension of the Wellcraft Fisherman brand production to the announced closing and planned sale of its Cadillac, Michigan facilities. The company says it will honor "all financial obligations incurred prior to the termination date, including open purchase orders and outstanding invoices.  

Groupe Beneteau announced plans to close its Cadillac, Michigan facility and divest Four Winns, Glastron, and Scarab Jet brands during Q3 2026. The decision follows geopolitical challenges and structural weakness in bowriders and jet boat segments, with the three brands representing less than 5% of Group revenue.

The U.S. Department of the Navy selected Saronic as one of seven companies for the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) Marketplace at-sea testing phase. Saronic's 180-foot Marauder vessel features 25+ knot speed, 5,400 nautical mile range, and 150 metric ton payload capacity, with three additional hulls under construction at the Franklin, Louisiana shipyard.

Yamaha Pro Jason Christie won the 2026 Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound with 92 pounds, 7 ounces, earning his second Elite Series victory of the season. Christie caught 19 bass over four days, focusing on shallow cover in the Chowan River, with a key dock producing several critical fish during the final two days.

The Indian River Lagoon Natural Resources Department and CCA Florida invite volunteers to an Oyster Mat Workshop on June 27 at Walking Tree Brewery in Vero Beach, and the Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) seeks volunteers for shoreline restoration at Riverview Park in Sebastian on June 23, both supporting lagoon habitat restoration efforts.

The City of Rolla partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation through the Community Conservation Cost-Share Program to install floating wetlands at Ber Juan Lake to combat algae blooms. Three wetlands will be added annually through 2028, with Recreation Manager Andrew Smith noting the initiative aims to improve water quality, create fish habitat, and beautify the area.

Michigan EGLE and the EPA announced $10 million in funding for Detroit River restoration, with the EPA providing $6.5 million and Michigan contributing $3.5 million. The funding will support contaminated sediment remediation, habitat restoration, and improved public access along the Detroit River Area of Concern.

Yamaha Rightwaters celebrated its seventh anniversary on World Oceans Day 2026, marking significant conservation achievements including 264.2 tons of debris removed, 155 million oysters re-established, and 224,000 acres of coastal land restored through partnerships with Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful, Billion Oyster Project, Ducks Unlimited, and other organizations.

The Center for Sportfishing Policy submitted formal comments to the National Marine Fisheries Service urging NOAA to withdraw the 2008 Vessel Speed Rule and adopt modern, technology-driven approaches for North Atlantic right whale conservation, including thermal imaging, acoustic monitoring, and AI-assisted detection systems.

The Maine Warden Service dive team recovered the body of Timothy Payson, 59, from Chickawaukie Lake in Rockland after he went missing during a boat ride. The search involved divers, sonar, and assistance from Rockland, Rockport, Thomaston fire departments, and local police.

The annual Elkhead Reservoir Fishing Classic runs June 20-28, 2026, at Elkhead Reservoir State Park with nearly $10,000 in cash prizes for northern pike and smallmouth bass. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is implementing a new all-cash prize structure, including $2,000 for tagged fish and daily category prizes.

The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis are hosting a free, wheelchair-accessible Let's Go Fishing event for people with disabilities on June 20 at Forest Park hatchery lakes. All equipment and bait will be provided, and advanced registration is required through the Recreation Council.

NOAA Fisheries' cloud-based Decision Support Tool is transforming recreational fishing regulations by enabling advisors and managers from Maine to North Carolina to design and evaluate over 450 fisheries regulations. The tool combines economic and biological data to balance conservation mandates with angler satisfaction for Northeast Multispecies, summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is conducting a tagging study on walleye in the lower Snake River, where populations have substantially increased since 2019. IDFG encourages anglers to report tagged walleye and harvest all caught fish to protect juvenile salmon and steelhead from predation.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is studying the rapidly expanding walleye population in the lower Snake River through a new tagging study. Since the first documented walleye in 2019, nearly 100 were reported caught in 2025, averaging 17-19 inches. IDFG encourages anglers to report tagged fish and harvest walleye to protect juvenile salmon and steelhead populations.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' 2025 Statewide Angler Survey Program, walleye is now the most harvested species in Michigan's Great Lakes waters. The recovery is driven by the absence of invasive alewives, which once preyed on walleye fry, allowing natural reproduction in Saginaw Bay to soar and generating over $60 million in economic activity.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan State University fish pathologists will investigate emaciated siscowet lake trout in Lake Superior's deepest waters aboard the RV Lake Char. These "zombie" fish, characterized by thin, undernourished bodies, have increased from 3% in 2015 to 20% in 2024-2025, with researchers testing for pathogens and collecting samples.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, released 5,500 Gulf Strain Striped Bass fingerlings into the Pearl River on June 4, 2026. The fingerlings originated from Blackwater Fish Hatchery in Florida and were raised at Private John Allen National Fish Hatchery in Mississippi before release as part of a restoration effort.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks completed spring sampling providing trout abundance estimates for southwestern Montana rivers. Results show population increases in many areas, with collaborative research from FWP and MSU continuing to identify limiting factors in the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Ruby rivers.

The Gulf Council is seeking fisherman feedback on king mackerel trends in the Gulf through their Fisherman Feedback Tool to inform an ongoing scientific stock assessment. Responses are due by July 12, 2026.

President Trump signed an Executive Proclamation on June 11, 2026, opening Pacific fishing grounds to American commercial fishermen in the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, and Rose Atoll Marine National Monument. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs praised the action for creating economic opportunities for coastal communities while maintaining science-based fisheries management.

Beginning in 2026, adult anglers fishing aboard charter vessels in Alaska's International Pacific Halibut Commission regulatory areas 2C and 3A must purchase a $20 charter halibut stamp for each day they intend to retain halibut. Fishing guides handle stamp purchases, and the requirement does not apply to catch-and-release fishing or unguided fishing.

Chuck Yeager's passion for golden trout led him to help plant the species in New Mexico waters via "Operation Golden Trout" in 1965. Today, golden trout swim in eight western states, managed through Sport Fish Restoration (Dingell-Johnson) funding derived from federal excise taxes and fishing license sales.

DEC Region 6 Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are conducting a walleye acoustic telemetry study in the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario to understand walleye populations, movement patterns, and spawning site usage. Volunteer anglers are encouraged to report tagged walleye to USFWS at 607-753-9334 and consider releasing caught fish to support the ten-year research project.

ODFW implements catch-and-release regulations for native redband trout on Upper Klamath Lake and spring-fed tributaries from June 15 to October 31, requiring flies and artificial lures only. The measure responds to record-low redband trout spawning counts during the 2025-2026 winter season, attributed to drought, poor lake conditions, and declining food sources. Biologist Benji Ramirez states the temporary rule aims to help fish survive summer and spawn this winter.

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab's Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture Project, led by marine biologist Ashley McDonald, has harvested its first redfish off Fort Morgan, Alabama. The project, funded during former Senator Richard Shelby's tenure, aims to develop sustainable small-form aquaculture using native species including red drum, oysters, and seaweed, with brood stock sourced from the University of Southern Mississippi's Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center.

The 68th Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in Morehead City set a new record with a 919-pound catch. Fisheries biologists estimate such large female blue marlins are typically 15-25 years old, determined by examining otoliths and fin spine rings. The tournament balances spectacle with conservation, releasing most fish while collecting scientific data from rare landings.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is offering "Fish with a Warden" sessions throughout summer to help anglers learn fishing regulations and techniques. Education Specialist Corey Hart explains that Vermont State Game Wardens have partnered with Forests, Parks and Recreation staff to provide mentored fishing outings at four state locations, with sessions starting at 6:00 p.m. on select Thursdays.

The Ike Foundation® announced four 2026 college scholarship winners from 216 applicants. Grace Faulk received the inaugural Carol Muracco Memorial Scholarship, Tyler Namatka won the Hoffman's Exterminating Co., Inc. scholarship, and Cade Robb and Patrick Miller also received awards. Recipients will study dairy sciences, fisheries and aquatic biology, wildlife ecology and conservation, and environmental engineering.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is accepting applications for a lake manager position at Escambia County Public Fishing Lake, located 23 miles east of Brewton. The three-year contracted position involves fishing license sales, grounds maintenance, and store management, with income derived from permits and concessions. Interested applicants should contact Brandy Anderson by August 10, 2026.

Major League Fishing pro bass angler Jesse Wiggins joins host Michael Waddell on The Michael Waddell Podcast to discuss his competitive fishing career, humble beginnings in Alabama, and journey to earning over $1.2 million in career winnings. Wiggins shares advice for aspiring professional anglers and reflects on sacrificing high school social life to pursue his passion for fishing.

Flambeau Outdoors introduces the Terminal Slim Waterproof Ultimate Tuff Tainer, a compact storage solution featuring a 1.7-inch profile, removable storage cups, waterproof gasket, and Zerust® anti-corrosion technology designed for multi-day fishing trips.

Whitewater introduces the Slipstream Bamboo Hoodie, featuring premium bamboo fabric with advanced moisture-wicking, natural thermal regulation, and antimicrobial properties. Available in Olive Green, Blue Bell, and new Camo colorways, the hoodie combines flatlock seams and Lycra details for optimal comfort and performance on the water.

Savage Gear launches the 3D Line Thru Trout Pro and 3D Line Thru Pulse Tail Trout Pro swimbaits, featuring patent-pending Y-Tube Line Thru technology and two distinct swimming actions designed for trophy trout fishing across varying water conditions and retrieval speeds.

NEBO introduces the TORCHY 3K Pocket Light, a compact 3,000-lumen flashlight featuring USB-C recharging, IPX6 water resistance, and Smart Power Control technology. Priced at $69.99, it combines high-output brightness with portability for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Coastal Conservation Association of California (CCA CAL) is seeking a new Executive Director to lead the non-profit organization in conserving California ocean resources and promoting saltwater angling access. Bill Shedd, chairman of AFTCO and CCA CAL, highlighted the organization's recent achievements in advocating for anglers and supporting marine habitat initiatives.

B.A.S.S. and the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced a landmark partnership featuring the inaugural Bassmaster Randy Moss Pro Football Hall of Fame Pro-Am on August 31, 2026, on the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, New York. Hall of Famers including Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson, and Steve Largent will compete alongside Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series anglers in the one-day tournament.

Skeeter Boats hosted its 32nd annual Owners Bass Tournament on Lake Fork, Texas, where 1,650 anglers competed for over $275,000 in prizes. The event featured the debut of the new FXE bass boat model line powered by Yamaha V MAX SHO 250 outboards, with Daniel Helsley of McKinney, Texas, winning the grand prize.

Bayliner Boats announced the debut of the all-new V22 Series, featuring V22 outboard and V22I sterndrive models built at its Knoxville, Tennessee facility. Succeeding the popular VR6 Bowrider Series, the V22 offers a modern hull design, spacious deck layout, and premium features while maintaining accessible pricing for boating families.

Hi Mountain Seasonings, based in Riverton, Wyoming, offers seasoning blends, brines, marinades, and rubs to help anglers prepare fresh-caught fish. Owner Hans Hummel highlights the company's 35-year commitment to enhancing natural fish flavors for June fishing season across North America.

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and Floyd Skiff Co. launched the 2026 Ultimate Flats Boat Sweepstakes, offering anglers a chance to win a fully rigged custom skiff valued at over $49,000 and premium prizes while supporting conservation of bonefish, tarpon, and permit across the Southeast, The Bahamas, Belize, and Mexico.

Abu Garcia supported the 2026 ACA Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship at Pickwick Lake with a trade-in program offering anglers new Revo VoltiQ casting reels. Auburn University's Benjamin Travis and Carty Shoen won the championship with 45.30 pounds, while Peyton Sorrow caught the event's big bass at 10.09 pounds.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources launched its modernized electronic licensing system replacing a 25-year-old platform. The new system offers three purchase methods (mobile app, online, in-person) and three license storage options, with vendor partner PayIt providing support and resources for the transition.

The second annual Ultimate Angler Championship returns to Lake Guntersville, Alabama, September 27-October 3, organized by Unified Pros and backed by the State of Alabama and Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The event features 200 anglers competing for a $500,000 first-place prize with forward-facing sonar banned from competition. Anglers can qualify through affiliated events including the Alabama Bass Trail ABT 100 and Ultimate Angler Virtual Qualifier.

Florida and Alabama beach towns are floundering through another summer of sargassum, the free-floating brown algae that piles up along shorelines, rots in the heat, and turns postcard beaches into something closer to a compost heap. Florida is taking a double dose, with tons of it washing ashore on both Atlantic and Gulf beaches, and researchers say more is coming. What long existed as an offshore curiosity—and, for fishermen, often a welcome sight—is now a recurring coastal headache with no easy fix.

Sargassum, per scientists, is a free-floating golden brown macroalgae, not a rooted seaweed, and its biology is unusual. Unlike most plants, the pelagic forms spend their entire life adrift. Tiny air bladders keep it at the surface, where it gathers into mats that can stretch for miles. Historically, the heart of that system has been the Sargasso Sea, a relatively stable zone in the North Atlantic where currents corral floating sargassum into long-lived rafts supporting a specialized ecosystem.

The stuff is legendary among offshore anglers as a magnet for dolphin-fish, or mahi-mahi, which patrol the weed lines picking off the minnows, crabs, and other critters that begin life in the floating algae. Where dolphin gather, marlin, wahoo, and other blue-water gamefish aren’t far behind. It was—and still is—a critical part of the offshore ecosystem, while also creating great fishing. Closer to shore, a mat of floating sargassum is likely to hold fat tripletails and sometimes juvenile sea turtles as well.

For centuries, that offshore balance largely held. Some sargassum broke free and wandered, but it rarely arrived on beaches in the volumes seen today.

Over the past decade, scientists have documented the emergence of what they call the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, a seasonally forming band of algae stretching thousands of miles from West Africa across the Atlantic, through the Caribbean, and into the Gulf of Mexico. That belt did not exist—at least not at this scale—in the historical record.

Scientists point to several forces driving the expansion. Nutrients are high on the list. Increased runoff from major river systems, including the Amazon and Mississippi, delivers nitrogen and phosphorus that act like fertilizer. Warmer ocean temperatures lengthen the growing season and speed reproduction. Shifting winds and currents then move the algae into corridors that funnel it toward the Caribbean and Gulf. Taken together, those forces have created a problem that costs beach communities hundreds of millions—and potentially billions—of dollars from Jacksonville to Gulf Shores.

Researchers at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science have become leaders in tracking that movement. Using satellite imagery paired with transport models, they estimate the size of seasonal blooms and forecast where landfall is most likely. In recent years, those forecasts have included numbers that once seemed unimaginable—tens of millions of tons floating offshore during peak months. This year is already shaping up as one of the worst on record, with thick stacks of sargassum decorating beaches that would normally be crowded with summer visitors.

Once stranded, sargassum begins to decay quickly—and announces itself in the process. The hydrogen sulfide released during breakdown produces a rotten-egg smell that can blanket beachfront communities. Thick wrack lines can trap nesting sea turtles, smother shorebird foraging areas, and alter sand chemistry. For towns built around tourism, the visual and olfactory impact can be immediate and costly, especially now, when a single photo can circle the globe before the tide goes out.

Cleanup is neither cheap nor simple. Heavy equipment removes algae quickly but risks crushing beach life and scouring sand. Manual removal is slower and labor-intensive. Leaving it in place allows nutrients to recycle into the beach system, but at the cost of weeks of odor and unsightly conditions. People simply won’t visit a beach where both the sand and the surf are loaded with rotting weed.

For fishermen, the flotsam has become a paradox. Offshore, it still attracts fish, but when there’s too much of it, trolling becomes an exercise in clearing lines rather than catching fish. The sheer abundance of habitat also spreads fish out, eliminating the clean, fish-stacking weed lines anglers rely on. In the surf, keeping a bait in the water can become nearly impossible as lines foul with algae within minutes.

And for beach towns that depend on the multi-billion-dollar business of renting rooms and filling waterfront restaurants, repeated sargassum invasions can feel like a slow-motion disaster, approaching hurricane-level economic damage without the insurance payout.

There are a few attempts at short-term remedies, including nets off prime beaches to keep the weeds away and various forms of harvesters, both via boat and heavy beachside machinery. But the harvesters are expensive, and the cleanup may last only a day or two before tons more sargassum comes ashore. Some attempts are underway to turn the stuff into animal food, but there’s so much of it and the market is thus far so limited that this seems an unlikely cure.

Bottom line is that sargassum is here to stay, and it could become a slow motion train wreck for beach towns that depend on pristine sand to attract visitors during the prime summer season.

– Frank Sargeant
Frankmako1@gmail.com