Articles

Florida Bonefish, Tarpon to Become Catch and Release Only

by Colin K. Breck - Thursday, Jun 13th, 2013

Bonefish like this one bring millions of tourist and recreation dollars to the Flordia economy each year.

Over the past week, individuals and organizations across the US have been asking bonefish and tarpon advocates to make their voices heard to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) Commission which was scheduled to meet yesterday to consider new regulations that would place tarpon and bonefish under strict catch and release only protections. The efforts of those who took the time to contact the commission to advocate for those protections have paid dividends, as FWC officials approved yesterday new rules preventing the harvesting of tarpon and bonefish.

The new regulations also introduce new protections regarding the handling of both tarpon and bonefish. The rules now require that tarpon over 40" not be removed from the water at any time. Weighing, measurement, scientific sampling and photography of these large tarpon must be completed with the fish still in the water. Tarpon under 40" may be temporarily possessed out of the water for these activities, but must subsequently be returned to the water unharmed. Bonefish will see increased protection from the removal of a tournament exception that previously allowed bonefish to be possessed by tournament anglers for transport to a tournament scale.

Hundreds of Scientists Urge Congress to Protect the Tongass

by Anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 11th, 2013

Fly fishing in the Tongass National Forest (photo: Chris Hunt).

A letter signed by over 230 scientists was delivered to the US Congress yesterday, urging lawmakers to support the Tongass 77, the comprehensive legislative proposal that would preserve 1.9 million acres of threatened salmon and trout habitat through the identification and protection of what researchers have determined are the 77 highest value watersheds within the Tongass. Scientists who signed the letter span the fields of biology, biochemistry, ecology, zoology, natural resources, environmental science, cultural anthropology, geology, wildlife and marine biology and many more.

The Tongass National Forest's vitality and breadth are globally unique but are endangered. Supporting the harvest of over 50 million salmon each year, the Tongass plays an important role in the economy and ecology of southeast Alaska as well regions far beyond its borders.

The McCloud River: Enough is Enough

by Colin K. Breck - Monday, Jun 10th, 2013

The McCloud River, as seen in 'Enough is Enough'.

Chances are you've caught a McCloud River rainbow, even though you've likely never fished the McCloud. The McCloud River, in Northern California, was one of the greatest salmon and steelhead rivers in the United States before a series of dams wiped out anadromous fish populations beginning in the 1940s. Part of the Sacramento River watershed, the McCloud is primarily fed by springs at its headwaters southeast of Mount Shasta.

The McCloud is also home to one of the first rainbow trout hatcheries. Beginning after the establishment of a McCloud River rainbow trout hatchery in 1877, McCloud rainbows were exported all over the world: to the eastern United States, New Zealand, Europe and South America.

RIO Perception: 'The Trout Line Redefined'

by Ben Kryzinski - Saturday, Jun 8th, 2013

RIO's new Perception line with SureFire tri-color system.

The research and technology involved in developing fly lines these days is greater than ever. Fly line manufacturers are developing new materials, coatings and tapers that are resulting in real world performance gains for anglers. All of this translates into more catching. This is a good thing.

The latest release from RIO includes a bevy of new features on top of other recently added technological advancements in the way RIO makes its lines. The result is a new line that, according to RIO, redefines the trout line.

Redington Breaks from the Norm with Three New Rod Families

by Ben Kryzinski - Friday, Jun 7th, 2013

The Redington Vapen Red's new PowerGrip.

Over the past few years, Redington has grown from being considered a economy brand with "get what you pay for" products to being widely recognized as producer of high quality rods, reels, waders and more that typically offer a premium at their attractive prices. Now, it appears Redington is focusing squarely on innovation, announcing three new rod families, each of which is a break from not only Redington's norm, but from industry norms as well.

In it's new Vapen family, Redington is introducing two entirely new technologies. The rods feature X-Wrap technology, which Redington explains is a "new construction method [that[ involves wrapping one layer of super-high density carbon ribbon inside the blank and another counter-wrapped on the exterior surface. X-Wrap construction provides surprising power with little effort. The technology is so distinct you will actually see the difference in the blank."

The Redington Vapen Red's new PowerGrip.

If X-Wrap doesn't catch the eye of browsing anglers, there's little doubt Redington's new PowerGrip technology will. Working with Winn Grips, a company renowned for making grips for golf clubs, Redington has developed an entirely new, non-cork grip for the Vapen Red rods. This new grip is described as an "advanced polymer grip that won’t slip when wet, feels soft in the hand and reduces fatigue. It also cleans easily, doesn’t chip and helps amplify casting power." And, if you're wondering about the name, Redington explains that Vapen means "weapon", adding that "you don't cast the Vapen, you fire it."