The International Game Fish Association announced five distinguished inductees for the 2026 Fishing Hall of Fame class: Roy W. Cronacher Jr., Tom Davidson, Patrick Healey, Captain Ralph Delph, and Jose Wejebe. The induction ceremony will take place August 29, 2026 at Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri.

Boston Whaler, a Brunswick Corporation brand, debuted the all-new 330 Outrage and 290 Outrage at the 2026 Miami International Boat Show. The 330 Outrage features WhalerStep™ hull technology, dual Mercury 425 outboard engines, and Simrad NSS4 electronics, offering enhanced offshore performance and comfort for fishing, cruising, and entertaining.

Major League Fishing's 2026 Columbia PFG College Fishing National Championship streams live on MLFNOW! from Lake Murray, South Carolina, featuring up to 160 collegiate teams competing for a top prize of $43,500 and a Phoenix 518 Pro Bass Boat. Championship Saturday coverage airs February 14 from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. ET on MyOutdoorTV, MajorLeagueFishing.com, and Rumble.

Wildlife Forever's Art of Conservation® Fish Art Contest has 18 days remaining before the February 28, 2026 deadline for student submissions. Supported by Bass Pro Shops, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Yamaha Righwaters, Rapala, and the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, the free international contest invites kindergarten through 12th grade students to explore fish species and aquatic habitats through original artwork and creative writing.

B.A.S.S. announced the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops will be held August 20-22 on Minnesota's Leech Lake in Walker, marking the first time this prestigious collegiate event visits the fishery. College anglers will compete for a national title and opportunity to advance to the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew's.

Mote Marine Laboratory researchers published findings showing that an electronic pulse device called Shark Guard, manufactured by FiskTek Marine, effectively deters sharks from taking fish off fishing lines. The study found bonnethead sharks were 45 times less likely to consume bait when exposed to the active device, offering a non-lethal solution to reduce shark depredation while supporting conservation efforts.

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust partnered with Florida International University to assess a January 30-February 3 cold snap's impact on South Florida fisheries. Though less severe than the catastrophic 2010 event, the cold spell caused notable goliath grouper and barracuda mortalities, while bonefish and snook populations showed resilience with minimal losses.

The Minnesota DNR and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have begun designing the underwater Acoustic Deterrent System (uADS) at Lock and Dam 5. Project coordinator Carli Wagner confirmed the $12 million project remains on track for completion by June 30, 2029, though the design deadline may extend beyond June 30, 2026.

The Missouri Department of Conservation invites the public to a free pond management workshop at Cape Girardeau Nature Center on March 11 from 5:30-8 p.m. MDC instructors will cover pond construction, fish stocking, fisheries management, aquatic plant management, and wildlife use. Contact MDC Fisheries Biologist Levi Frazier for questions.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents arrested Eurell D. Johnson on Bourbon Street for illegally possessing a live alligator, firearm, and marijuana. Senior Agent Grayson Parker, Sgt. James Bruce, Sgt. Emily Sexton, and Sgt. Josh Harris seized the alligator and firearm, turning the animal over to an LDWF biologist.

DWR biologists will present on largemouth bass population trends in Virginia's tidal rivers including the James, Chickahominy, Pamunkey, Mattaponi, Rappahannock, and Piankatank rivers on February 26 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees can learn about ongoing projects and ask questions about tidal river largemouth bass management, with virtual attendance available.

B.A.S.S. announced the 2026 BassmastHER workshop schedule, a nationwide series designed for women and girls passionate about bass fishing. The workshops will occur alongside major tournaments including the Bassmaster Classic, Elite Series events, and High School & Junior Championship, offering hands-on learning and community connections led by BassmastHER Ambassador Kylee Short.

The Gulf Council is requesting fishermen to submit feedback on gag grouper trends in the Gulf through their Fisherman Feedback Tool to inform an upcoming scientific stock assessment. Responses are due by March 13, 2026.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division will host two town hall meetings in February 2026 to discuss recreational Red Drum fishing regulation changes. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's 2024 stock assessment found the southern stock overfished and experiencing overfishing, necessitating management changes to ensure long-term sustainability.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold an informational fisheries meeting on February 24 in Plentywood featuring regional fisheries technician Hayden Cody and manager Tyler Haddix discussing Box Elder Reservoir sampling results and northeast Montana fisheries management.

Fish hearts are specialized organs adapted to their aquatic environments, featuring two chambers in most species. Bluefin tuna off North Carolina's coast have powerful hearts reaching 200 beats per minute, while coastal species like flounder and striped bass have slower rates. Deep-sea creatures like hagfish and octopuses possess multiple hearts for their unique circulatory needs.

The blue pike, a near-mythical fish native to Lakes Erie and Ontario, is explored through its complex taxonomy and mysterious existence. Ed McGowan's archaeological discoveries and Dr. C. Lavett Smith's research efforts highlight the ongoing debate about whether this species is extinct or merely a color morph of walleye, with DNA studies suggesting the latter.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Army Corps of Engineers completed a joint project deploying 77 fish attractor sites at Lake Ouachita. The operation involved 35 personnel removing invasive cedars to create habitats for walleye, bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and stripers.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is restoring rock reef habitat in Saginaw Bay to diversify spawning grounds for walleye and lake whitefish. By building new reefs with locally quarried limestone, researchers aim to create resilient fish populations less vulnerable to ecosystem changes and river habitat degradation.

NOAA Fisheries announced Exempted Fishing Permit proposals for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina that would allow red snapper recreational seasons of 39-62 days in 2026, significantly increasing access compared to last year's two-day federal season and enabling states to test improved data collection systems.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources will temporarily close the recreational Bluefish fishery in state waters for March and April 2026 to ensure long-term sustainability. This closure aligns with Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission management measures and allows Georgia to maintain its 15-fish bag limit.

New York State designates free fishing days in 2026 on February 14-15, June 27-28, September 26, and November 11, allowing residents and non-residents to fish without a freshwater license while all other regulations apply.

The Michigan DNR reminds anglers that lake sturgeon caught while ice fishing must be released immediately to ensure survival and comply with regulations. The DNR partners with state, federal, and tribal agencies to rehabilitate lake sturgeon populations listed as threatened since 1994.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept archery paddlefish permit applications from March 1-14, with a nonrefundable $7 application fee. Permits will be awarded through random drawing based on preference points, with results available by March 20 and payment due by April 5.

Professional anglers Brandon Palaniuk and Drew Gill discuss modern jerkbait fishing techniques, including how forward-facing sonar has changed their approach. They share insights on selecting Megabass and Bill Lewis baits, cadence strategies, and gear choices featuring Phenix Feather rods, Bass Pro Shops reels, and Seaguar Tatsu fluorocarbon line.

Walleye fishing in February offers excellent opportunities as water temperatures reach 45–50°F and fish move into shallow water to spawn. Success requires maintaining bottom contact within three feet of the lake floor using crankbaits, swimbaits, or live bait.

Pro-Angler registration for the 2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive is now open. Full season Priority entry costs $8,000 through March 27th, while single event Pro entry is $2,000 per tournament. The NWT Fishing Chaos Platform will serve as the primary hub for registrations, payments, and tournament communications.

Fish Monkey offers a complete spring saltwater fishing system including the Pro 365 Guide glove, Freestyle glove, and Stubby glove, all featuring UPF 50-plus protection and non-slip silicone palms. The company also provides Guide Series merino wool socks and Performance Face Guards for comprehensive hand, foot, and face protection on the water.

NMMA's November 2025 Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary reports retail sales fell 8.6% to 215,736 units on a rolling 12-month basis. Elevated interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment pressured purchasing, with discretionary segments like pontoons and wakesports experiencing declines while freshwater fishing boats showed relative stability.

The Gulf Council is hiring a full-time Administrative Assistant to provide administrative services, manage meeting logistics, and maintain website content. Candidates must have a high school diploma with five years of administrative support experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat. Applications are due February 24, 2026.

Colorado fishing guide Landon Mayer is featured in episode #23 of the Fly Fisherman Loop to Loop podcast, discussing sight-fishing techniques, river etiquette, and his Clean the Dream project with Brandon Kramer. The podcast, in partnership with Patagonia, G. Loomis, Mayfly Outdoors, and Cigars International, is available on Apple Podcast, YouTube, Spotify, and FlyFisherman.com.

Gambler Lures has unveiled the EZ Shaker, an innovative swimbait with a metal blade tail, following a 3rd-place finish at a Major League Fishing Toyota Series event on Lake Okeechobee. Owner Val Osinski designed the lure to provide flash, vibration, and versatility in pressured tournament conditions. The EZ Shaker is available as both a standalone swimbait and pre-rigged swim jig.

Savage Gear introduces the redesigned Shine Glide Pro glide bait featuring a wide-glide swimming action and enhanced tail design. Available in four sizes and 14 color patterns, the bait offers realistic photo-printed finishes and rotating hook hangers, priced from $34.99 to $44.99.

Savage Gear introduces the RevMag Walker, a patent-pending topwater lure featuring revolutionary magnetic weight transfer technology for enhanced casting distance and soft landings. Available in three sizes and eight colors, the lure delivers aggressive walk-the-dog action designed for serious freshwater anglers seeking maximum performance.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will host a public meeting on February 26 at the Jefferson County Courthouse Annex in Monticello to discuss Lake Miccosukee management during an ongoing natural dry-down event. Residents, anglers, hunters, and stakeholders are invited to share perspectives and ask questions.

Plano expands its StowAway utility box line with new deep, thin, and split models featuring Rustrictor-infused bases, Dri-Loc seals, and stackable designs. New offerings include the StowAway 3700 and 3600 Deep models, 4-packs, and divider packs, all available February 2026.

Norsk Lithium offers four wheelhouse power packages ranging from 105Ah to 360Ah as quiet alternatives to generators, featuring the Norsk Guardian smartphone app for real-time monitoring and extended runtime for ice fishing.

Bass Pro Shops announced a new 70,000-square-foot destination retail location in Paducah, Kentucky, adjacent to Kentucky Oaks Mall, expected to open late 2026 or early 2027. Founded by Johnny Morris, the store will feature a custom design celebrating Kentucky's sporting heritage and is expected to employ over 115 Outfitters.

Pursuit Channel highlights the 16th season of Angler's Bass Channel Bass Wrap Up, a weekly bass fishing recap show featuring top pros and regional experts. The show covers competitive and recreational bass fishing events, breaking news, pro tips, and interviews, reaching 158.4 million viewers across platforms in 2025.

Fox Hollow Outdoors, a new outdoor adventure series created by Michael Letchworth, debuts on Waypoint TV every Tuesday at 9:30 PM ET. The show celebrates outdoor heritage and family lifestyle through fishing pursuits and immersive adventures, featuring expert tips and conservation values from the Fox Hollow Outdoors lifestyle brand.

MyOutdoorTV premieres new episodes of Gale Force Twins featuring Captains Emily and Amanda Gale, who explore premier fishing destinations including the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Guatemala, and Outer Banks. The 10-part series follows the USCG-licensed captains as they showcase offshore fishing and Gulf Coast lifestyle content for both experienced anglers and newcomers.

Mercury Marine has never been shy about pushing horsepower boundaries, but its newly displayed 808-horsepower, 7.6-liter V12 outboard concept may be the clearest signal yet that the company sees ultra-large outboards as a permanent alternative to traditional diesel inboards on big boats. The engine, shown publicly as a concept at the recent Miami International Boat Show but not yet offered for sale, is based on the same architecture as Mercury’s existing 600-hp V12 Verado and is aimed squarely at the super-sport yacht and large center-console markets.
While Mercury has released no formal specifications, pricing, or production timeline, the concept alone has generated excitement among builders and buyers who once assumed that boats over 40 or 45 feet simply had to rely on inboard diesels for adequate power, durability, and range.

That assumption was already blown away by the success of Mercury’s 600-hp V12 Verado. Since its introduction, the 7.6-liter naturally aspirated outboard has found homes on an increasing number of large offshore center consoles, luxury cruisers, performance-oriented yachts and even on high-end pontoon boats. Builders who once would not consider outboards at this scale are now designing hulls specifically around them, and buyers have proven willing to pay whatever it takes to own them.

What would the 800 cost? From a pricing standpoint, the 600-hp V12 provides a useful benchmark. Currently a new 600-hp Verado in the low-to-mid-$80,000 range per engine, depending on shaft length and configuration, before rigging and installation. That makes speculation about an 808-hp version fairly straightforward. If Mercury were to bring the concept to market, a retail price north of $100,000 per engine would not be surprising, particularly if additional internal strengthening, higher-output tuning, or forced induction were involved.

That sounds steep—until it’s compared to a traditional diesel inboard system producing similar power.

An 800-hp marine diesel inboard, from manufacturers such as Volvo Penta or comparable U.S. suppliers, typically costs $80,000 to $90,000 for the engine alone. But that figure is only the starting point. A diesel installation also requires a heavy-duty transmission or gearbox, shafting, struts, cutlass bearings, propellers, exhaust systems, cooling infrastructure, electronic controls, and extensive installation labor. By the time a complete inboard diesel drive system is installed and commissioned, total costs commonly reach $150,000 to $200,000 or more per engine, depending on the boat and yard rates.

By contrast, a large outboard is a self-contained propulsion unit. The engine, gearbox, cooling system, exhaust, and controls are integrated into a single package that bolts to the transom. Installation is faster, less invasive, and generally less expensive. Replacement is simpler as well: when an outboard reaches the end of its service life, it can be removed and swapped without tearing into the boat’s interior or engine room.

Those practical differences are a major reason large outboards have gained traction. They are typically quieter at cruise, with less vibration transmitted into the hull. Service access is easier, often performed with the boat in the water. Redundancy is built in on multi-engine boats, providing peace of mind offshore. And by eliminating large engine rooms, designers gain much more usable interior space or storage.

The 600-hp V12 has already helped shift perceptions. In testing and real-world use, dual 600s have shown the ability to replace triple-engine setups with lower-horsepower outboards while improving cruise efficiency and simplifying rigging. Owners report smooth power delivery and noise levels that rival—or undercut—many inboard installations.

An 808-hp version would push that trend further. For large center consoles in the 45- to 55-foot range, it could mean running fewer engines while still achieving high cruise speeds and strong acceleration. For performance-oriented yachts, it offers a way to avoid the weight, noise, and complexity of diesel machinery without sacrificing horsepower.

Outboards also provide easier control at docking, especially when linked to a joystick, which virtually all high end systems now are. The articulating lower unit of the 600 and the experimental 808 rotates independently from the midsection and powerhead, giving a much wider range of motion.

None of this means diesel inboards are going away. For long-range displacement cruising and commercial applications, diesel remains unmatched. But Mercury’s 808-hp concept underscores how far outboards have moved up the food chain. What was once considered the only viable option for big boats is now simply one of several.

If Mercury does bring the 808-hp V12 to market—and it will be surprising only if they don’t--it won’t just be about setting a new horsepower number. It will further cement the idea that outboards—once reserved for smaller boats—are now credible, and often preferable, propulsion systems for vessels that used to live exclusively in diesel territory.

– Frank Sargeant
Frankmako1@gmail.com