Montana anglers Todd Smitham and Jonathan Miller set fish records for two sucker species on Salmon Lake and Hauser Reservoir. Smitham caught a 6.86-pound largescale sucker, while Miller previously caught the longnose sucker record at 4.78 pounds in 2022.
Cooper Clark of Ocean City set a new Maryland state record for false albacore at 28.2 pounds, caught on July 3, 2026, near the Jackspot off Ocean City. The catch surpasses the previous record of 26.0 pounds set in July 2025 and was verified by DNR fisheries biologist Gary Tyler at Sunset Marina.
Michael Iaconelli and the Ike Foundation are raffling off his tournament boat to fund youth fishing programs. Each $100 donation provides one raffle entry and equips two kids with fishing gear and instruction through the foundation's initiatives.
Lake Ontario charter captain Richard Hajecki relies on Cannon Optimum downriggers, Humminbird electronics, and the One-Boat Network to efficiently locate fish and make precise presentations on the Great Lakes. His connected system enables real-time adjustments for targeting salmon, steelhead, and brown trout across constantly changing water conditions.
Alabama Tourism Department officially launched the Alabama Catfish Trail, featuring over 50 destinations celebrating catfish culture. The initiative highlights the species' importance to anglers, farmers like Kyser Family Farms and Pearce Catfish Farm, and restaurants including The Ark, Ezell's Fish Camp, and Old Greenbrier throughout the state.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's School Fishing Program registration opens August 20 on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program provides curriculum and hands-on activities for Florida schools, with select schools receiving educational materials and fishing equipment. Partners include Coastal Conservation Association of Florida, Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Hobie Eyewear, and Flambeau Outdoors.
Bassmaster Magazine released its annual 100 Best Bass Lakes rankings highlighting premier bass fishing destinations across the United States. The rankings, compiled by Bassmaster's editorial staff with input from fisheries biologists, B.A.S.S. Nation leaders, and local experts, showcase largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fisheries from coast to coast during America's 250th anniversary celebration.
Shane Allen of Powell became the first angler to catch and document all 24 Wyoming game fish species at qualifying lengths, doubling the Ultimate Angler requirement. Accompanied by Carol Anders, Allen traveled thousands of miles across nine lakes to complete the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Master Angler challenge.
Florida's 2026 recreational bay scallop season opens July 1 through September 24 in Franklin County, northwestern Taylor County, and portions of Levy, Citrus, and Hernando counties. Daily bag limits are two gallons of whole scallops or one pint of meat per person, with vessel limits of 10 gallons or four pints. Harvesters must follow safety regulations, obtain a saltwater fishing license, and avoid damaging seagrass habitat.
The Missouri Department of Conservation recommends frogging at Paydown Access and Bell Chute Access in Maries County, and Whetstone Creek Conservation Area in Callaway County. Frogging season runs June 30 through October 31, with an eight-frog daily limit. This unique outdoor hobby requires minimal equipment and is accessible to all ages.
This guide provides eight essential catch-and-release best practices for summer fishing when dissolved oxygen levels decrease and fish experience increased stress. Tips include fishing during cooler times of day, minimizing air exposure, managing livewells properly, and avoiding deep-water species during extreme heat to improve fish survival rates.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife invites anglers to fish without a sport fishing license on California Free Fishing Day, July 4, 2026, celebrating America's 250th birthday. All fishing regulations remain in effect, and the second Free Fishing Day occurs September 5. CDFW encourages new and returning anglers to experience this rewarding outdoor activity.
Recreational fishing and boating leaders from the South Atlantic met with 30 congressional offices to advocate for a meaningful 2026 red snapper season and improved state-led data collection.
The Missouri Department of Conservation is offering its complete four-lesson Discover Nature Fishing program in July at Caldwell Memorial Wildlife Area near Washington. The free progressive lessons teach beginning anglers and families basic fishing techniques, knot-tying, fish biology, and lure selection, with all gear provided and advanced registration required.
The 93rd annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo will feature a new live tripletail weigh-in category sponsored by the University of South Alabama's Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, along with an inaugural Mediterranean Sandwich Swordfish Jackpot. The event runs July 17-19 on Dauphin Island with nearly $1 million in prizes.
Christy Graham, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Trout Management Program supervisor, advises anglers on summer catch-and-release practices as Arkansas tailwater fisheries face reduced stocking levels. With water temperatures above 68 degrees causing fish stress, anglers should use heavier gear, wet hands, and barbless hooks to minimize mortality and protect trout populations.
Legendary bass angler Kevin VanDam highlights fishing's bright future, citing increased youth participation and families getting on the water as the most encouraging trend. VanDam attributes growth to fishing technology lowering entry barriers and emphasizes fishing's role as a family activity offering disconnection from modern life. As a Team Toyota pro, he now focuses on education, sharing seasonal patterns and techniques with everyday anglers.
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 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.
Memphis Nelson, 14, of Grovespring caught a state-record river redhorse sucker weighing 10 pounds, 3 ounces on May 16 in the Osage Fork of the Gasconade River. The Missouri Department of Conservation verified the catch, which measured 28.5 inches long.