Steven Hamilton, 71, of Winter Garden was killed by an 11-foot, 8-inch alligator while fishing at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park near Lake Apopka on October 16. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission captured and killed the alligator believed responsible. Wildlife officials remind anglers to maintain safe distances and avoid feeding alligators.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Bob Downey shares his three go-to topwater baits for fall bass fishing: the Rapala® Jowler® 127, Storm® Chug Bug®, and Rapala® ClapTail™. Each bait offers different actions and sounds to adapt to changing conditions and fish behavior on shallow feeding flats.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds spearers to purchase licenses before Oct. 31, 2026, for the 2027 Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing season opening Feb. 13, 2027. Unlimited licenses are available for residents and nonresidents through the Go Wild system and license sales locations.
This article provides essential maintenance tips for braided fishing line, including rinsing after each trip to remove salt and debris, allowing line to dry completely before storage, inspecting the first 20-30 feet regularly for damage, and loosening drag when storing gear to prevent line compression and memory issues.
Legendary bass pro Rick Clunn emphasizes systematic observation and fish behavior analysis over equipment adjustments. His approach uses lure selection as an information-gathering tool, breaking down large reservoirs into manageable sections by identifying productive variables and eliminating unproductive ones.
October and November offer phenomenal saltwater fishing in the South as baitfish migrate down the coast. Anglers can target predator species like redfish, snook, tarpon, and cobia by locating baitfish schools in inlets, harbors, and offshore waters using lures that mimic natural bait or live baitfish.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is accepting public comments through December 7, 2026, on proposed rule changes allowing two-pole fishing for game fish including walleye, bass, channel catfish, and northern pikeminnow year-round in the Snake and Columbia rivers. A virtual public hearing via Zoom is scheduled for December 7 from 6–8 p.m.
Michigan lawmakers introduced HB 6345 on September 23, legislation restricting the sale and use of lead fishing tackle in state waters, including sinkers of one ounce or less and lead jigs under 1.5 inches. ASA and partners are working with Michigan DNR and anglers to protect access to affordable fishing tackle.
New York offers diverse fall fishing opportunities statewide as fish feed heavily before winter. Species like salmon, steelhead, walleye, bass, lake trout, and muskie are accessible across Great Lakes tributaries, Finger Lakes, and regional waters with specific techniques and locations detailed for each region.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting open water fishing contest applications for the 2027 season with a November 1 deadline. Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, and the FWP Fisheries Division will approve, conditionally approve, or deny applications to minimize fish mortality and manage user conflicts.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's TrophyCatch program launches season 15 on October 1, 2026, celebrating 15 years of trophy bass conservation. Season 15 features special promotions including prizes from partners AFTCO, Lowrance, and BajĂo for the first angler to catch a 15-pound bass and the first to reach 15 approved catches.
The White House released a $30 billion product list for potential tariff reductions through the U.S.-China Board of Trade. Fishing industry products including fish hooks, fishing line, and fishing casts or leaders are included on the U.S. import list, though specific reduction rates and effective dates remain unannounced.
President Trump announced the "Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation" Executive Order, establishing national policy to elevate marine recreational fishing through modernized data collection, strengthened state-federal partnerships, and innovative management approaches.
Jay Anglin explains how anglers can capitalize on salmon spawning runs by targeting trout and steelhead feeding on dislodged eggs and insects downstream. The article provides techniques for locating redds, finding feeding fish, and selecting appropriate tackle for peak action during salmon runs.
Outdoor Sportsman Group launches "Backcountry Angler," a 6-part video series presented by Bass Pro Shops and featuring hosts Mike Carney, Pat Hogan, and Derek Mleynek exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park. The series documents a family fishing expedition with partners including Lew's, Alps Mountaineering, Northstar Canoes, and other outdoor brands, now streaming on In-Fisherman.com, YouTube, MOTV, and Game & Fish TV.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife reports that fall brings exceptional fishing conditions as water temperatures drop and fish feed heavily. Fisheries biologist Shawn Good highlights that bass, pike, walleye, trout, and salmon become more active in autumn, with Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River offering prime opportunities for anglers seeking reduced competition.
Jeff Kolodzinski completed the 20th annual Marathon Man event, catching 1,981 fish in 24 hours despite 108-degree heat and an algae bloom at Camp Dallas near Spring Bay, Illinois. The event raised over $30,000 for the camp, which served 700+ kids this summer. Fishing legends Hank Parker, Kevin VanDam, Al Lindner, and Mark Zona provided support, while U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood toured the facility.
As temperatures drop, migratory trout and salmon will enter Lake Ontario tributaries in New York, attracting thousands of anglers. The NYS Canal Corporation's Fall Fishing Program releases water into tributaries like Eighteenmile, Oak Orchard, Johnson, and Sandy creeks to enhance fishing opportunities for Chinook, coho, steelhead, brown trout, and Atlantic salmon.
The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame's online auction, presented by Major League Fishing, features historic memorabilia, custom crankbaits honoring 2026 inductees Mike Whitaker and Bob Cobb, and fishing trips with Brandon Palaniuk and Skeet Reese. Bidding closes September 24, with proceeds supporting conservation, scholarships, and fisheries programs.
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.