BoatUSAngler.com: Fishing News and Articles

Earl Advancing on US Coastline; Boat Owners Group Says 2008 Hurricane Has Lessons for Boaters
Hanna's rains - not surge - damaged hundreds of boats

ALEXANDRIA, Va., August 31, 2010 - Four days before 2008's Hurricane Hanna struck the South Carolina coast and ran up the eastern US seaboard, she was downgraded to a tropical storm. But that still didn't stop the damage to hundreds of recreational boats deluged by the storm's intense rains. And with Hurricane Earl now forecast on a parallel course just eastward of Hanna's old track, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is again urging boaters from the Mid-Atlantic to New England to protect their vessels from the forecasted heavy precipitation.

Normally it's a hurricane's storm surge and high winds that cause the most damage to recreational boats, said BoatUS Director of Damage Avoidance Bob Adriance. But a hurricane doesn't have to score a direct hit to sink boats. Heavy rains can cause significant damage, especially with boats stored in lifts, or those stored in the water that have their scuppers or drain holes clogged by leaves or other debris.

Adriance says boaters should be prepared to remove boats from lifts and store them in a safe area and ensure drains remain clear and any drain plugs are removed. Or, if your boat is stored in a slip it's a good idea to add extra dock lines and chafe protection. With any boat, windage such as sails or biminis should be removed.

To help boaters make preparations, BoatUS has some free online tools available at the BoatUS Hurricane Resource Center at www.BoatUS.com/Hurricanes

The website offers easily downloadable storm planning materials, including a hurricane preparation worksheet , an in-depth Guide to Preparing Boats and Marinas for Hurricanes , and checklists for what to do before and after a hurricane strikes. Sample hurricane plans for boat and yacht clubs, as well as up-to-the-minute storm tracking tools with live satellite images are also offered. Marina and yacht club managers also have the free 24-page What Works, A Guide to Preparing Marinas, Yacht Clubs, and Boats for Hurricanes available, which shares success stories as well as failures of dozens of facilities that have experienced a hurricane over the last two decades.

While the safest location for a boat during a storm is on land, boaters may also want to ask their insurer if their policy offers help in paying for the cost of a storm-related haul-out. Boat owners seeking the services of a professional delivery captain to move a vessel to a safe location can go to the online BoatUS Captains Locator at www.BoatUS.com/procaptains.

For more information, go to www.BoatUS.com/Hurricanes.

NJ - Barnegat Light Adopts Program to Recycle and Recover Energy from Old Fishing Gear

BARNEGAT LIGHT, N.J. , Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Jersey port of Barnegat Light is the latest addition to the Fishing for Energy initiative, the program providing commercial fishermen a cost-free way to recycle old and unusable fishing gear. Gear collected at the port will be stripped of metals for recycling with the help of Schnitzer Steel and processed into clean, renewable energy at the Covanta Union Energy-from-Waste facility in Rahway, NJ .

Fishing for Energy is a partnership between the Fairfield, NJ -based Covanta Energy (Covanta), the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, and Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. It was established in 2008 to reduce the financial burden imposed on commercial fishermen when disposing of old, derelict (gear that is lost in the marine environment), or unusable fishing gear and thereby reduce the amount of gear that ends up in U.S. coastal waters.

At a ceremony held this morning at Old Borough Hall in Barnegat Light , the partnership installed a collection bin for old, abandoned or lost fishing gear from area commercial fishermen.

Speaking on behalf of the partnership, Paul Gilman , chief sustainability officer of Covanta Energy said, "We are delighted to continue the expansion of Fishing for Energy with the addition of a new port in New Jersey . Local fishermen will now have a free and easily accessible place to discard old fishing gear and marine debris, consequently protecting the marine environment that is so important to their livelihoods and helping create clean, renewable energy."

By placing the collection bin at the port, it makes it easy for fishermen to participate, significantly increasing the likelihood that derelict gear does not end up in the marine environment. Abandoned or lost fishing equipment can threaten marine life in a number of ways; by damaging ecosystems as nets and heavy equipment settle upon the ocean floor or through 'ghost fishing,' wherein a net continues to catch fish, even if abandoned or lost. Gear can also impact navigational safety, damage fishing equipment and boats that are in use, and have economic repercussions on fishing and shipping enterprises and coastal communities.

Kirk Larson , the mayor of Barnegat Light and a commercial fisherman is very familiar with old and abandoned gear disposal. "In the past, we had to pay for the gear to be disposed of in a landfill or worse yet â€ it could have ended up in the ocean. Fishermen will now have a free place to throw old gear which will be recycled and reused, while helping to keep our fishing waters clean. We're excited about the program coming to our port and see this as a win-win situation," stated Larson.

Fishing for Energy thrives due to extensive cooperation between government, private, public and local organizations. The diversity and unparalleled expertise of the partners results in a unique, community-focused program that addresses a marine environmental issue, reduces costs for small commercial fishing businesses and recycles metal and recovers energy from the remaining material.

Since launching in 2008, Fishing for Energy has reeled in more than 800,000 pounds of old fishing gear, a portion of which has been retrieved directly from the ocean by fishermen. In 2010, Fishing for Energy was awarded the prestigious Coastal America Partnership Award, which is presented to groups that restore and protect coastal ecosystems through collaborative action and partnership. The partnership has also expanded to include a grant program that directly supports efforts to remove derelict fishing gear from U.S. coastal waters and will continue to partner with new ports to promote retired or derelict fishing gear collection through community education and outreach.

August 23, 2010 - Today, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission ordered an immediate opening of all state inshore and offshore territorial waters to recreational angling, including charter boat angling. The areas opened today by the commission do not include the recreational harvest of shrimp, crabs or oysters. Prior to today's action, approximately 862 square miles or 11 percent of saltwater areas of the state remained closed to all recreational fishing due to the impacts from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

LDWF, in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is continuing to provide additional fish tissue samples for sensory testing and chemical analysis in preparation for re-opening areas currently closed to commercial crabbing and commercial fishing.

With today's action, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission also voted to submit a letter, urging the FDA and NOAA to expedite the required testing to re-open commercial fishing areas previously closed due to confirmed reports of oil.

LDWF guidelines for re-opening commercial fishing areas are as follows:

• Once visible signs of oil are no longer apparent in areas that were previously closed by LDWF to commercial fishing, LDWF will then submit an "intent to reopen" to NOAA and the FDA

• LDWF biologists will conduct thorough sampling of finfish, crabs and shrimp in the proposed reopening area

• Following the collection of the samples, biologists will immediately transfer specimens to be tested by the FDA and NOAA for signs of chemical contamination. This process is expected to take between seven and ten days

• After complete analysis the FDA and NOAA will render an opinion regarding proposed reopening

For a map detailing today's recreational openings click here.

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The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Marine Resources Division (MRD) announces the re-opening to the harvest of fish from all areas previously closed as a precautionary response to the presence of oil from the Deepwater Horizon Incident. These areas include all Alabama Gulf of Mexico waters out to three miles and the remaining closed waters of Mobile Bay that are just north of the Fort Morgan Peninsula. These waters reopened at 6 a.m., Monday, August 16. This includes both commercial and recreational fishing. In addition to finfish, the area north of Fort Morgan is also open to shrimping.

ADCNR has worked closely with the Alabama Department of Public Health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to ensure the health and safety of the public during the events following the Deepwater Horizon incident. In correspondence addressing the results of recent testing of seafood from the remaining closed areas, the FDA states that, "Sensory evaluation of 50 finfish and 16 shrimp samples for odors indicative of contamination was conducted on August 11-12, 2010. No samples demonstrated odors indicative of oil or dispersant contamination. After sensory evaluation, the samples were forwarded to a chemistry laboratory for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) analysis. Compositing of like species from like sample locations resulted in 10 separate finfish and three separate shrimp samples for PAH analysis. All samples were analyzed using the LC-Fluorescence method. The chemical analyses were completed on August 13, 2010. PAH levels in all samples are significantly below the levels of concern established in the reopening protocol, which was agreed upon by Alabama officials, NOAA and FDA."

Harvest of crabs is still prohibited in all areas that were closed including the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi Sound, Pelican Bay and the area in Mobile Bay north of Fort Morgan. Analyses are currently being conducted on blue crabs from affected areas. The results will be made public as soon as they are received.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com .

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) - Tens of thousands of dead fish washed ashore along the Delaware Bay in southern New Jersey.

State environmental officials say low oxygen levels likely caused a massive fish die-off along the Delaware Bay in southern New Jersey. The wash-up of small menhaden, most about 4 inches long, was discovered Wednesday morning.

It occurred on about eight miles of shoreline from Kimbles Beach in Middle Township south to the Villas in Lower Township, just north of Cape May.

Officials say water sampling conducted Thursday suggest that oxygen levels in the bay were probably very low as a result of very warm air and water temperatures.

If the fish had massed close to shore for some reason, they could have rapidly depleted the available dissolved oxygen. Removal operations are expected to begin Friday.

TALLAHASSEE — Federal officials today will open further Gulf of Mexico waters closed by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Jane Lubchenco, administrator of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, is set to hold a news conference this afternoon in Panama City Beach. She'll announce that commercial and recreational fishing in federal waters off Florida's Panhandle will open again. Details of the areas to be opened have not been released.

Gulf waters off Florida more than 10 miles out — where federal control begins — have been closed to fishing since June. In July, after the spill was contained at the wellhead, a large portion of the Gulf was re-opened, but none of the sections adjacent to state waters closer to shore. Nearly a quarter of U.S. waters in the Gulf remain closed to fishing.

The fisheries were initially closed because of oil sheen on the surface. At that time, NOAA said it had detected no oil in the opened area since mid-June and that U.S. Coast Guard observers had seen no oil. Tests on fish, NOAA officials said, showed levels of oil and dispersant chemicals were below standard levels of concern. Charter owners and commercial fishermen then wanted water closer to shore opened to fishing.

ATHENS, TX - Anglers seeking to catch one of Lake Fork's legendary lunkers are off to a great start to the 2010 fishing season.

After declining big bass catches for the last six years in the Lake Fork Trophy Bass Survey, nearly as many 7-pound or bigger bass were reported caught from March through June as were reported during all of the 12-month period from March 2009 to February 2010. Anglers participating in the survey reported 733 big bass caught from March through June 2010 compared to 746 for the 12 months ending in February.

"This year's cold winter delayed the spawn, which pushed the peak of entries into April," said Kevin Storey, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Inland Fisheries biologist in charge of managing Lake Fork. "As a result, this was the first year since the survey began in 2003 that the number of entries was higher in April than in March."

The big bass boom in late spring and early summer was good news for the fabled Lake Fork fishery, which is generally acknowledged to be one of the best in the world. The seven-year average of fish weighing more than seven pounds or measuring 24 inches or more in length is 1,519 per survey year. However, that number declined to its lowest level of 746 fish reported from March 2009 to February 2010. Read More

One Week Remains to Register for the Nationwide 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon Sept. 10-11 to Help Conserve Fish Habitat
Sponsored by Recycled Fish and BoatUS ANGLER

How long can you fish? Find out at the 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon on September 10 - 11 and you could also help improve the very same waters you fish in. Now in its second year, the event pits teams of anglers across the country against each other for a good cause that raises funds to help support responsible fishing and improve fish habitat.

Teams also compete for top prizes such as the fishing trip of the lifetime, a guided trip with a Professional Anglers Association (PAA) tour-level pro, or a getaway to a remote lodge. Additional prizes include tackle from Berkley and Dick's Sporting Goods.

This year the event is co-sponsored by BoatUS ANGLER, an advocacy and services association for recreational boat owners. It offers on-the-water towing, roadside assistance and angler's boat insurance.

"Anglers will fish around the clock and around the nation to raise awareness of problems facing our fisheries, as well as raise money to help solve those problems," said organizer Teeg Stouffer, executive director of Recycled Fish , a non-profit organization committed to responsible fishing practices. Proceeds are donated to Recycled Fish and the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water to support responsible fishing practices and waterway stewardship programs. The BoatUS Foundation has supported grassroots boater and angler educational programs for nearly 30 years and awarded over $1.1 million in grants to local boating and environmental organizations.

The 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon is open to freshwater anglers in all 50 states. To participate, anglers begin by becoming a Fish-A-Thon Ambassador / Team Leader at RecycledFish.org/FishAThon , and sign up their team of two to four anglers. After they receive their Fish-A-Thon welcome kit in the mail, each team member's next step is to secure pledges from family, friends or co-workers for each hour they fish, which typically range from $10 to $75 an hour.

Next they go fishing. Lines are cast Friday, September 10 at 6:00 pm until Saturday, September 11 at 6:00 pm. During the event anglers are also encouraged to pick up any trash and use tackle that is easier on the environment, such as lead-free weights or biodegradable baits and lures, and practice good catch-and-release tactics.

Every team raising a minimum of $100 will get a complimentary 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon shirt. Additional prizes include tackle, apparel and gift cards.

Participating anglers takes photos of their fish and self-score their catch at the online Angling Masters Fish Calculator , then submit their score to the Fish-A-Thon administrator. Top prizes go to the team with the most funds raised and the team with the highest score based on their best five fish photos. Additional prizes include tackle packages, apparel and gift cards. Prizes are also given for the best photos, the most "unusual" trash picked up and more.

Fish Habitat Benefits From More Than $3 Million in Funding
courtesy of The Fishing Wire by Berkley

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will provide more than $3.3 million to support 68 fish habitat projects in 36 states across the nation under the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP). An additional $9.9 million in partner contributions, over $13.2 million in total, will go toward restoring and enhancing stream, lake and coastal habitat, as well as to improving recreational fishing and helping endangered species.

The funding is provided for priority projects identified through fifteen Fish Habitat Partnerships established under the NFHAP. The partnerships formed help direct funding and other resources to habitat improvement projects offering the highest long-term conservation returns.

Aquatic ecosystems are especially vulnerable to changes in climate. Healthy habitats help fish and other aquatic life withstand flows and temperatures that are altered due to climate change. Thirty of the projects, supported by $2 million of the Service funds, will improve stream flow, remove barriers or acquire scientific information needed for long-term protection against the effects of climate change.

"The Service is pleased to work side-by-side with our partners to improve habitat for fish. These projects represent the mutual priorities of broad locally-based partnerships," said Dan Ashe, Deputy Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

More than 40 percent of U.S. fish populations are currently considered declining, half of the waters in the U.S. are somehow impaired, and fragmented conservation efforts are not reversing these declines. Besides climate change, principal factors contributing to these declines include: habitat destruction and fragmentation, toxic substances, invasive species, harmful algal blooms and altered thermal regimes. Read More

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission announced significant openings to recreational fishing. With this action, approximately 86 percent of recreational fishing in Louisiana will be open immediately today (July 14).

"The measures taken today by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission will allow recreational anglers, including recreational shrimping, crabbing and fishing, to resume," said LDWF Secretary Robert Barham. "While I am pleased and fully support today's action, I caution all fishermen to exercise caution while fishing in areas closed to commercial fishing."

This opening includes licensed charter boat guides and bait fishermen or dealers who harvest for and sell to recreational fishermen exclusively.

Recreational fishing is being allowed subject to continual testing and monitoring, as this activity is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. To date the Environmental Protection Agency's near shore water tests have shown chemical contamination levels below public health concern.

"I consider today's action the first step in opening state waters to all fishing, both recreational and commercial," added Barham.

Although recreational fishing will be allowed in portions of the previously closed fishing areas, certain delineated areas, including heavily oiled areas, areas associated with boom and areas of active cleanup continue to be closed to recreational fishing.

Click here for a map indicating areas remaining closed to recreational fishing:

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It is advised that recreational fishermen avoid areas where oil is observed, respect oil cleanup and removal activities and stay clear of areas being protected by boom material. Smell and examine catch closely to ensure that there are no obvious oil or chemical residues. Recreational fishermen fishing in areas closed to commercial fishermen do so at their own risk.

All previously issued commercial fishing closures remain in place.

RALEIGH North Carolina anglers have a new web page where they can log their saltwater catches to help state fisheries managers with their recreational fishing surveys.

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries launched its new Internet-based electronic reporting system today. It can be accessed through the division website at www.ncfisheries.net under Hot Topics.

This online tool provides an alternative way for anglers to report their catches when they are contacted for surveys by the division's Coastal Angling Program, which gathers recreational fishing statistics for the agency.

The division has, for years, contacted recreational anglers through telephone interviews and mail surveys to obtain information for recreational catch statistics. These statistics help authorities determine what size and bag limits or seasons are needed to ensure sustainable fish populations.

By providing an Internet-based reporting tool, we hope to capture some of the more tech-savvy anglers who no longer use land line telephones or regular mail, said Chris Wilson, with the division's Coastal Angling Program.

Many states have begun to adopt these technologies and future innovations to improve their survey capabilities.

The website also provides a section called the Coastal Angling Journal, where any fisherman, not just those contacted for surveys, can voluntarily record catches. Questions include information about the date and time of the fishing trip, the weather, where the fish was caught, and the species targeted and caught.

The Coastal Angling Journal will allow fishermen to keep online records of their individual fishing activity and print reports of that activity. The division will be able to compare the information it receives from those voluntarily recording their trips with the data it gathers through its surveys.

This electronic reporting system was funded, in part, by revenues from the Coastal Recreational Fishing License.

For more information, contact Chris Wilson, with the division Coastal Angling Program, at (252) 948-3885 or Chris.Wilson@ncdenr.gov.

Eastern Kentucky University Wins Inaugural BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Open

Paris, TN - Kentucky Lake lived up to its reputation of being one of the best summertime bass lakes in the nation when collegiate anglers from across the country showcased their fishing skills during the BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Open presented by Pepsi held on June 24 & 25. In fact, the only thing hotter than the weather was the bass fishing.

The unique tournament format allowed the participating universities to enter as many teams as they could. Each team consisted of up to 3 boats and 6 anglers. The full field competed both days and the winners were determined by the combined weight of each team's two heaviest boat weights each day. For clubs that were only able to enter 1 boat, the single boat weight was doubled each day.

After claiming the day one lead with 43.84 pounds, the Nebraska Cornhuskers struggled on day two with zero weight as a result of tough luck, mechanical issues and returning late for check-in at the end of the day.

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), who sat in fourth place after day one with 40.42 pounds, took full advantage of the opportunity presented by the Nebraska team and secured victory with a day two weight of 47.98 giving the team a total of 88.40 pounds. In addition to winning the first place scholarship money and Cabela's gift card, the team also won the Cabela's Angler Cash award.

"It really means a lot to be a member of the winning team at this event after missing out on the opportunity to compete in the BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship in May due to an accidental rule violation during the off-limits period," said Kyle Raymer of EKU. "After having boat trouble the first day we just thought, if it's meant to be it's meant to be; and it obviously was."

The team reported that all of their fish were caught from ledges located at the mouths of three different bays. Their two best baits were a ¾ ounce gator craw Strike King football jig rigged with a Rage Craw trailer and a 3/8 ounce Texas rigged Anaconda plum worm.

Starting day two in fifth place with 39.30 pounds, Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) moved up three places on the strength of their day two weight of 45.96 to finish in second place with a two day total of 85.26 pounds. Team member Tim Randell commented "I made the decision to attend SEMO over Missouri State because of the fact that they had an active bass team." When asked how the team caught their fish, Randell explained "We caught all of them using Carolina rigged green pumpkin Critter Craws and big purple worms that were Texas rigged with a ½ ounce weight. Our key spot was a creek channel ledge that featured a shell bed and gravel bar."

University of Tennessee started the day in eighth place with 37.64 pounds and rallied to finish third overall with a two day total weight of 83.84. Their day two total of 46.20 pounds was anchored by a 7.11 lb. big bass which was the largest of the tournament, earning the team the Costa and Abu Garcia big bass awards.

Brad Cooper explained that the University of Tennessee team concentrated on main river ledges that featured shell beds. "Our best spot was where a creek channel intersected the main river channel creating two underwater points with shell beds on them." The teammates did most of their damage using Texas and Carolina rigged tequila sunrise Ol Monster worms.

Rounding out the top 10 is:

4th Murray State Univ. (2) 82.10

5th Univ. of Tennessee-Chattanooga 79.12

6th Murray State Univ. (1) 73.76

7th Austin Peay State Univ. 71.59

8th Indiana University 71.58

9th Tennessee Tech Univ. 69.10

10th Bethel University 66.26

A total of $15,000 in scholarships and merchandise awards provided by Cabela's, Costa, Columbia Sportswear, Pure Fishing, Sperry Top-Sider and Lazer Trokar were awarded to the top 10 teams.

The BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Open presented by Pepsi is sanctioned by the Association of Collegiate Anglers and will be televised on Versus by Careco Multimedia beginning in August of 2010. The weekly television series will showcase all of the 2010 BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Series events.

For complete standings, please click here

Steve Levi to Head Up BoatUS ANGLER
Fishing Industry Veteran Joins Boating Association

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 14, 2010 - Recreational fishing industry veteran Steve Levi has been appointed brand manager of BoatUS ANGLER, the membership and services program for boat-owning anglers, a division of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS).

"Steve knows how to reach out to fishermen, and has a great track record of managing some high-profile televised tournaments, working with sponsors and the media" said BoatUS Vice President of Membership Heather Lougheed. "He's proven that he can build relationships and deliver results for partners. As an avid angler himself, Steve is passionate about increasing value and benefits for his fellow sportsmen. With his mix of entrepreneurial and marketing skills, we know he can continue to grow our BoatUS ANGLER program."

Levi, who hails from Athens, Georgia, was most recently general manager of Career Sports & Entertainment, where he managed the Under Armour College Bass Tour/National Championship and the Redfish Cup, produced for ESPN2 and ESPNU. His responsibilities included corporate sponsorships, advertising, and event execution.

Prior to this, he was a district sales manager for Hamlin and Associates, where he managed direct sales programs for the sporting goods market and handled product launches. Levi was also a regional events manager for ESPN/BASS, where he was responsible for negotiations, logistics and product placement in association with the BASS Master Classic, BASS Master Weekend Series, and Women's BASS Master Tour. He has also run events, tradeshows, tournaments and promotions for a soft-plastic fishing lure manufacturer.

Levi is a graduate of the University of Georgia - Athens.

NBAA would like to announce their "NEW" Fall Classic. This special event will take place on Kentucky/Barkley Lakes this fall. The anglers of NBAA will be launching out of the Kentucky Dam Marina on October 2nd & 3rd in this two day combined weight event. NBAA anglers have been asking for an event back on Kentucky/Barkley and now it;s here. Keep in mind, this is in addition to the National Championship in the spring of 2011. This means NBAA anglers can now qualify for 5 National Championships!

Below are some new and exciting details for the 2010 Fall Classic:

Location: Kentucky/Barkley Lakes

Dates: October 1 - Registration; October 2-3 - Competition

How to Qualify: Any team that has fished 4 out of 5 Weekend events or 10 out of 12 Overtime events automatically qualifies for the Fall Classic.

Entry Fee: $100 and this includes big bass. Other optional pots will be available.

All NBAA rules will apply. Stay tuned to the web for more details on the NEW NBAA Fall Classic!

Spring Championship 2011

The deal is done. NBAA will be going to Kentucky/Barkley Lakes for the Lazer Sharp Red, White & Blue National Championships in 2011. Anglers across NBAA have been asking for it and now they're going to get it. Not only will the 2010 Fall Classic be on Kentucky/Barkley Lakes now the spring National Championships will be there too.

The dates for Championship Week 2011 are as follows:

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - Registration

Thursday, April 28, 2011 - White Day Championship Day

Friday, April 29, 2011 - Blue Championship Day

Saturday, April 20, 2011 - Red Championship Day

Registration will take place at the Ken-Bar Lodge and the event will be launching out of the Kentucky Dam Marina.

Stay tuned to the web for more exciting details on Championship Week 2011 and all of the exciting championships throughout NBAA.

The official host site for both championship will be the Ken-Bar Lodge just across the street from Kentucky Dam Marina, the launch location for both the Fall Classic and Spring National Championships.

For more information about Ken-Bar Lodge go to www.kenbarlodge.com

For more information about NBAA, please visit them at www.nbaa-bass.com

University of Georgia Bulldogs come from behind to win 2010 BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing National Championship
University of North Carolina - Charlotte and Western Kentucky round out top three

The anglers endured blistering heat described as brutal by many as temperatures climbed into the mid 90's with very little wind both days. The more than 300 collegiate anglers from across the nation registered to compete in the event this year showcased their fishing skills in this year's national championship despite the challenging conditions.

The Results:
1st - Univ. of Georgia - Ben Cleary & Bo Page - 36.41

2nd - Univ. of North Carolina-Charlotte - Eric Self & Taylor Beam - 33.56

3rd - Western Kentucky - Andy Southard & David Stephens - 30.60

4th - Univ. of Arkansas-Fayetteville - Clay Ramey & Kyle Billingsly - 30.44
5th - Eastern Kentucky University - Richard Cobb V & Tyler Moberly - 28.86
6th - Tarleton State Univ. - John Anderson & Brandon Foard - 28.85
7th - Texas A & M Univ. - Andy Shafer & Matt McArdle - 28.67
8th - Georgia College & State Univ. - Matt Henry & Walker Smith - 27.82
9th - Oklahoma Univ. - Chip Porche' & Mark Johnson - 27.58
10th - Louisiana State Univ. - Shreveport - Zach Caudle & Joe Landry - 27.17

BoatUS Offers New Online Gulf Oil Spill Resource for Recreational Boaters
www.BoatUSAngler.com/oilspill

NEW ORLEANS, La., May 10, 2010 - Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has launched a new online website for recreational boaters affected by the Gulf oil spill which can help them stay informed, safeguard their boats, and assist with recovery efforts.

The new website, BoatUSAngler.com/oilspill, brings together a range of public and private resources and information for boaters, including how to protect your boat and the environment as well as boat cleanup tips. A unique live "observation map" allows boaters to email updates of local conditions, which are then posted for public viewing. The map also includes reports from TowBoatUS towing ports and BoatUS Cooperating Marinas along the Gulf Coast.

"This is the one place where boaters can find out everything related with the oil spill," said BoatUS Director of Damage Avoidance Bob Adriance.

A NOAA Trajectory Map shows daily forecasted movement and locations of the oil spill, and volunteer opportunities are also posted as well as fishing restrictions and claims information for boat damage.

Additionally, included are links to the most current information from a diverse range of state and federal government resources including the official Deepwater Horizon Response website, as well as news updates, video footage, and other reports.

WASHINGTON, D.C.) The National Fish Habitat Action Plan ( www.fishhabitat.org ) has unveiled the 2010 10 Waters to Watch list , a collection of rivers, streams, lakes and watershed systems that will benefit from strategic conservation efforts to protect, restore or enhance their current condition.

These waters represent a snapshot of this year's voluntary habitat conservation efforts in progress. These and other locally driven conservation projects are prioritized and implemented by regional Fish Habitat Partnerships that have formed throughout the country to implement the National Fish Habitat Action Plan. The objective of the Action Plan is to conserve freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats essential to the many fish and wildlife species that call these areas home.

The fish habitat partnerships, under the Action Plan, are comprised of local and regional community groups, non-profit organizations, watershed groups, Native American tribes, local, state and federal agencies, and individuals. Examples of conservation actions include planting stream-side vegetation important to sustaining the health of riparian and aquatic plants and animals, protecting and restoring fish passage and other voluntary measures that help avoid and minimize negative effects that could result from industrial and agriculture practices and livestock.

The 10 Waters to Watch are representative of freshwater to marine habitats across the country including rivers, lakes, reservoirs and estuaries that benefit through the conservation efforts of these Fish Habitat Partnerships formed under the Action Plana bold initiative implemented in 2006 to avoid and reverse persistent declines in our nation's aquatic habitats.

The initial Action Plan's 10 Waters to Watch list was unveiled in 2007. Since 2006, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has provided $8.5 million to support 188 on-the-ground Action Plan projects in 36 states, leveraging $20 million in partner match, to address the priorities of Action Plan Fish Habitat Partnerships. Additional funds have been provided by several other State and Federal agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

View the 2010 List of 10 "Waters to Watch"

NFHAP 10 "Waters to Watch" webpage

Nationwide 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon Sept. 10-11 to Help Conserve Fish Habitat
Sponsored by Recycled Fish and BoatUS ANGLER

Council Bluffs, IA, April 20, 2010 - How long can you fish? Find out at the 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon on September 10 - 11 and you could also help improve the very same waters you fish in. Now in its second year, the event pits teams of anglers across the country against each other for a good cause that raises funds to help support responsible fishing and improve fish habitat.

Every team raising a minimum of $100 will get a complimentary 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon shirt. Additional prizes include tackle, apparel and gift cards.

PAA Members Honored by BoatUS Foundation For Cleanup Efforts at 2008 Corporate Cup Tournament

BENTON, Kentucky - Three PAA members were awarded the BoatU.S. Foundation Environmental Leadership Award for their efforts to spearhead a cleanup project at Pickwick Lake in Florence, Alabama, prior to the 2008 PAA Corporate Cup.

Gary Klein of Texas, Shaw Grigsby of Florida and Tim Horton of Alabama received the award in February. They were nominated by Kay Smallwood of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Association, a tourism agency for 16 North Alabama counties including much of the Tennessee River.

The award is given to people who make a significant impact to help educate the public and boaters about clean boating and minimizing environmental impacts. The anglers organized 13 boats of tournament anglers to help clean shorelines and Pickwick Lake the day before the 2008 PAA Corporate Cup. They easily brought in hundreds of pounds of tires, trash and other debris from cups and wrappers to children's toys and household items.

"We wanted to use the PAA Corporate Cup as a way to give a little something back," Klein said. "We felt like if anglers from all around the country took some initiative while passing through, it would help to inspire the local community to continue the effort and help take care of their waterways long after we were gone."

Horton lives in nearby Muscle Shoals. He guided and began his tournament career on Pickwick Lake, one of the most famous in the country for smallmouth bass and other species.

"The project meant a lot to me, with such strong ties to Pickwick Lake," he said. "It was great to see guys with such hectic schedules stop and give a little something back to the community. Seeing my friends and competitors take enough time to fill a city trash truck with garbage was something special.

Smallwood nominated the anglers through the Life On The Water magazine, which chronicles news from the Tennessee River and tributaries. Horton has worked with Smallwood's agency, AMLA, for years to help promote North Alabama and its abundant outdoors resources.

"It is great to see professional anglers involved in engaging others in conservation activities," Smallwood said.

Grigsby, like Klein, has competed for more than 25 years on the professional circuits and has traveled across the country. Projects like this often prompt others to begin efforts to clean up waterways.

"Gary was the spark that started this project and I was glad to get involved and be a part of it," Grigsby said. "Anytime we can come to a venue and leave it better than we found it, we've done the right thing. It was our goal to start doing projects like this in more of the places we visit."

"Professional anglers are at the top of the list of true conservationists," Horton added. "We teach it to youth and we want to show it by our actions."

The PAA will be returning to Pickwick Lake the first week of June for the 2010 Corporate Cup and another cleanup project could be conducted.

"Efforts like these show that it is about more than the competition for our PAA members," said Danny Blandford, PAA Program Director. "Not only did the guys pitch in for the cleanup project, now that they have been honored for it, they immediately put their award towards future conservation efforts for the PAA. It says a lot about their commitment to the sport and our organization, it means a lot to the PAA."

The BoatU.S. Foundation selection committee chose this year's recipients from more than 30 nominations, looking for individuals and organizations who made a significant positive impact on the environment, contributed towards solving an environmentally challenging aspect of boating or boat maintenance, helped others understand the importance of clean boating, enthusiastically promoted clean boating and engaged others in their efforts.

About the BoatU.S. Foundation: The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is an innovative leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. It provides educational outreach directly to boaters with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit was founded in 1981 and is funded primarily by the half-million members of BoatU.S. Web: www.boatus.com

About the PAA: The Professional Anglers Association is a non-profit organization that gives professional anglers a unified voice in order to aid in the growth of the sport of professional bass fishing. The PAA also aims to administer educational programs to the average angler, to increase enjoyment of the sport, and to embrace sound conservation practices to further the future of the sport. Web: www.FishPAA.com

Submit a photo of your best catch to the BoatUS ANGLER Catch of the Month Photo Contest and you could win $50 and other prizes, plus be entered to win a realistic replica of your fish from Mount This Fish Company, which specializes in hand-painted fiberglass replicas.

The monthly photo contest, which starts in April and runs for seven months, offers two categories: saltwater fish and freshwater fish. Winners of these monthly contests can take home a $50 BoatUS Visa gift card, BoatUS ANGLER logo items, a "gift bag" of fishing gear and a framed Catch of the Month winner's certificate to proudly hang on the wall. For complete details and how to enter, go to BoatUSAngler.com/contest

In November all of the 14 monthly winners will be automatically entered into the Grand Prize drawing to win the replica mount from Mount This Fish Company, the newest sponsor of the photo contest. Their full-size mount replicas are perfect to commemorate your special catch, while their "Half Sided Series" are great additions to decorate your home or office. All mounts are hand airbrushed and can be displayed indoors or out. To view the wide selection of full mounts, half mounts and 3D mounts, as well as their online specials, visit their website at mountthis.net

Having the right gear in the tacklebox helps ensure the big one won't get away. But even more importantly, it's an angler's knowledge that will consistently land the lunkers. The no-cost Tacklebox Newsletter from BoatUS ANGLER aims to help fishermen improve their game and give them information to ensure every day on the water ends with a full livewell.

Delivered electronically 10 times a year right to your e-mail inbox, the newsletter is a fast read covering a range of topics such as salt and freshwater fishing tips from experts, do-it-yourself projects, fishing destinations and conservation tips. In addition, a featured fishing Web site of the month is reviewed and an Ask the Experts section takes questions from readers on bass fishing, Florida Gulf Coast fishing, and trailering topics. Lastly, one freshwater and one saltwater fishing guide or charter service that offers discounts to BoatUS members is featured.

You don't have to be a BoatUS ANGLER member to sign up for an online subscription to Tacklebox , said BoatUS ANGLER Director Mike Pellerin. And it's great to print out the latest issue and tuck it in your tacklebox so you can enjoy a little light reading when you're out on the water.

BASS AND BoatUS ANGLER Announce Alliance
More Benefits for Boat Owning Anglers

ALEXANDRIA, Va.- The nation's leading bass fishing organization and recreational boating association have teamed up to give bass anglers a bunch of benefits that will help them get the most out of their trailerboat angling. The new BASS and BoatUS ANGLER alliance announced today will give BASS members the opportunity to join BoatUS ANGLER - part of the nation's largest recreational boating association - for only $12.50 annually - that's 50% off the regular membership dues. In addition, the alliance offers BoatU.S. ANGLER boat insurance with additional policy features available only to BASS members.

"This alliance gives BASS members access to benefits, services, and discounts they would not normally have with their regular membership," said BoatUS ANGLER Director Mike Pellerin.

With BoatUS ANGLER membership, BASS members have access to BoatUS ANGLER insurance policies with additional features at no cost, including $1000 in coverage for a boat trailer, and a lower deductible for electronics and trolling motors. This comes on top of $5,000 of equipment coverage for tackle, automatic tournament liability coverage and reimbursement of entry fees if an incident prevents attendance, and generous cruising areas that don't require having to call for an extension when fishing far from home. BoatUS also offers fishing guide policies.

BASS members will also get $50 of on-the-road towing coverage for getting a disabled fishing boat trailer or tow vehicle to a repair facility, $50 of on-the-water towing coverage for the boat which is provided largest towboat fleet in the country, 24-hour nationwide dispatch service, discounts on fuel and repairs at over 900 marinas nationwide, West Marine store discounts, a new online bait and tackle shop locator offering discounts, a subscription to BoatUS ANGLER Magazine , and more.

"With our 24-hour dispatch service for on-the-water and on-the-road breakdowns, you'll never worry if a friend will be able to come get you and bring you back to the launch ramp, tow you to a repair facility or put you safely back in your own driveway. We are there for you 24-hours a day," Pellerin added.

For more information on BoatUS ANGLER Membership benefits, go to BoatUSAngler.com or call (866) 906-0013.