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Landon Hall has been appointed Editor in Chief of Florida Sportsman magazine by Outdoor Sportsman Group Publishing. Hall, a freelance outdoor writer and founder of Outdoor Legacy Media, brings expertise in saltwater fishing, hunting, and coastal living to the role overseeing all print and digital editorial properties. He replaces retiring long-time editor Jeff Weakley.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit appointed Scott Hersey as Pro Staff and Sponsorship Manager. Hersey manages Yamaha's professional angler programs and tournament sponsorships, including the Bassmaster Elite Tournament Series and Coastal Conservation Association STAR tournaments.

Charles Gaines, noted outdoors writer and author of "Stay Hungry" and cowriter of "Pumping Iron," both adapted into films featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, passed away Tuesday at 84. A lifelong bird hunter and angler who fished in over 25 countries, Gaines was also credited as one of paintball's inventors.

J. Robert Long, a marine industry executive who led Starcraft, AMF Crestliner, and Wellcraft Marine, died July 15 in Sarasota, Florida at age 86. Long purchased Marine Concepts in 1994 with his wife Karen and grew it into a 250-employee design and manufacturing company before selling to Patrick Industries in 2016. He was inducted into the NMMA Hall of Fame.

Waypoint TV promoted Katherine Elliott to Vice President of Media Operations & Distribution and Graig Hale to Vice President of Business Development & Programming. Both leaders have been instrumental in building the outdoor streaming network's infrastructure, partnerships, and growth initiatives.

John Simms, pioneering fly-fishing innovator and founder of Simms Fishing Products, passed away on June 3, 2026, at age 89. Known for inventing neoprene waders, Croakies eyewear retainers, and the WristLok casting aid, Simms revolutionized fishing apparel and equipment before selling his company to Life Link International in the late 1980s.

Revelyst Inc. announced Dave Mellon's appointment as President of Simms Fishing Products and Revelyst Outdoor Performance. The former Grundéns CEO, who previously held leadership roles at Simms, will oversee the Bozeman-based platform and drive growth across its portfolio of iconic outdoor brands.

Paul Thomas Hoppes, Jr., founder of Sailfish Boats and Seminole Marine, passed away on May 12, 2026. He built his flagship brand from a small warehouse in Havana, Florida into the largest employer in Cairo, Georgia, known for high-quality boats and exceptional industry reputation.

Chris Caswell, renowned boating writer and former editor-in-chief of SEA Magazine, passed away May 13. He hosted the Marine Voyager cable television series and contributed to publications including Power & Motoryacht, Passagemaker, Yachting, Sail, and Cruising World, earning numerous industry awards throughout his career.

American Outdoor Brands, Inc. announced that Tyler Lindwall has joined the company as Vice President of Corporate Development. Lindwall brings over 15 years of experience in corporate development and mergers and acquisitions, most recently serving at Vista Outdoor Inc., and will lead the company's acquisition and integration efforts.

American Outdoor Brands announced that Tyler Lindwall has joined as Vice President of Corporate Development. Lindwall brings over 15 years of experience in corporate development and mergers and acquisitions, most recently serving at Vista Outdoor Inc., and will lead the company's acquisition and integration efforts.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit promoted Jason Berry to Director of Marine Service, where he will oversee all U.S. service operations including call centers, field service, warranty, and training. Berry, a Yamaha team member since 2005, previously served as Customer Experience Division Manager and reports to General Manager Joe Maniscalco.

A mural featuring legendary fly-fishing pioneer Dave Whitlock was unveiled March 26 in Bull Shoals, Arkansas. Artist Duane Hada created the artwork on the west side of Wishes & Fishes Fly Shop, funded by donations from fly-fishing groups and individuals honoring Whitlock's contributions to the sport.

Bill Yeargin, CEO of Correct Craft, reflects on his 40-year marine industry career and 20 years leading the company. He expresses gratitude to industry innovators, craftspeople, dealers, partners, and customers, while highlighting his service on boards including NMMA, ABBRA, IMI, AMI, and ABYC, and his advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) announced Corey Scott as its new Government Affairs Director, effective April 6, replacing Kurt Thiede. Scott previously served as Deputy Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources for Virginia and brings extensive experience in state and federal conservation policy.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit promoted Scott Higgins to General Manager of Marine Engine Systems Sales and Marketing. Higgins, a Yamaha team member since 2003, will oversee strategic direction for marine engine systems sales and marketing initiatives and reports to Vice President Mark Tracy.

Brunswick Boat Group announced Brad Zoelle's appointment as President of Boston Whaler, succeeding Lenn Scholz. Zoelle brings extensive leadership experience from Mercury Marine and Sea Ray, while Jerry Newton was named Vice President of Operations for Boston Whaler.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit announced that Matt Lester has accepted the position of Regional Sales Manager. Lester, who began his career with Yamaha in 2012, will support dealer growth and sales performance across his assigned region and reports to Ron Campbell, National Dealer Sales Manager.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit appointed Mitch Feathers as Operations Manager, where he leads the Outboard Operations and Outboard Demand Planning teams. Feathers, a five-year Yamaha employee, reports to Supply Chain Director Corey Turnbow and will oversee sales order management, customer service, demand forecasting, and production planning.

Professional angler Mike Iaconelli announced that 2026 will be his final year competing full-time on the Bassmaster Elite Series. The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee, known for winning the Bassmaster Classic in 2003 and the B.A.S.S. Federation National title in 1999, plans to shift focus toward content creation, The Bass University, and brand partnerships while maintaining limited competitive fishing.