by JD on February 2, 2012
Thanks to the Commission's vote, stripers should remain a viable fishery in California
The California Fish and Game Commission did the right thing and rejected the proposed changes to striped bass regulations that would have reduced the minimum size to 12 inches and increased the bag limit to 6 fish (and as many as 20 in some areas).
To thunderous applause and a near standing-ovation from the throng of 200 plus anglers who packed the meeting, the Commissioners voted 4-0 not to pursue a the proposal. By the way, anglers all over the state need to pass along a hearty thank you to Fish & Game Commission President, Jim Kellogg, who really took a stand for the state’s outdoorsmen on this deal.
The regulations changes had come about not because DFG thought they were warranted, but instead because the Department was sued in 2008 by the Coalition for a Sustainable Delta. The Coalition is a group of San Joaquin Valley water districts, who asserted that striped bass are harming native species, including endangered salmon and Delta smelt.
Now, nobody denies that stripers eat fish like salmon smolt, but come on here people…the two species have coexisted since striped bass were introduced to California in the 1850′s. And during many of those years we had excellent salmon…and striped bass runs. This is a political play to divert attention from the fact that record water exports are putting the entire Delta ecosystem in great peril.
It’s pretty clear when you look at the overall trend in Delta species: all of them have been on a sharp decline, which points to the fact that it’s the health of the system…not the striped bass…that’s the culprit here.
In any case, this is good news though I’m sure we’re not out of the woods here yet. Expect more lawsuit to follow. A nice victory in the meantime however!
by JD on January 28, 2012
Could this be the next world record for yellowfin?
This 90×62-inch yellowfin tuna was taken taken by Ron Tegland out of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and weighed nearly 30 pounds more than the current world record! We’ll have to see what develops with this story in the near future. Regardless of the outcome, that is one massive tuna!!
Read the whole story at my former longtime employers and good friends:
WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWSby JD on January 18, 2012
Alabama Rig: Too deadly, says B.A.S.S.
The castable umbrella known as the “Alabama Rig,” which turned the bass fishing world on its ear just a few months back, has officially been banned in B.A.S.S. Elite Series tournaments and the Bassmaster Classic.
Elite Series Rules Committee members believe the rig eliminates some of the skill that should be required in tournament competition at the highest level. “It doesn’t matter how you work it,” said one of the anglers. “The fish can’t help themselves.”
Our resident bassin’ expert and professional angler,
Big Fred Contaoi, is excited about the ruling.
“The rig can be hard on the fish…you may get one of the lures in the mouth but others can snag fish in vital areas like the belly,” he says. “Outlawing it levels the playing field again I wish other tournament series would follow suit.”
Read the entire story at
BASSMASTER.com 
The fish are in!
Well, the rain that hit Northern California and Southern Oregon has done wonders for the steelhead fishing the past few days! On the Smith River, guide boats have been seeing up to double digit scores of steelies, some of which have hit the 20-pound mark. The Mad’s loaded and the Chetco is full of fish and just dropping into shape! Looks like a good week to hit the creek!
Click on our
Fishing Reports section to get caught up on the action!
Here’s to a safe, fun and enriching 2012. Thank you all for being a major part of this website! We greatly appreciate your support and look forward to bringing you the bigger & better version in the coming year.
Happy 2012 everyone!!
by JD on December 15, 2011
Salmon Milt...the "Other White Meat!"
The Academy has voted and the “Wunder Boner” of the Year Award goes to….
“Bitter Milt Face,” sent into us by “No snagn here.”
If you recall, it’s a tale of culinary exploration…Or wait…was it more a case of lousy fish anatomy identification? Well, you can decide (read the winning entry below). Anyway, “No Snagn” wins a
Spineless Wunder Boner fish bone removal tool, plus the good folks at Boner HQ have also decided to throw in a shirt and cap too!
As our second place finisher, Kevin P. also wins a Wunder Boner. Guys, be sure to send us an email so we can get you hooked up!
[click to continue…]by JD on December 14, 2011
If you’re like me, you probably think the ol’ Holiday Gift Guide is coming out a bit early…after all, there are what…still 11 days of shopping left or something? An eternity to get ‘er done! Anyway, for those of you who aren’t as into the traffic and mall crazies that I deal with at 9 PM on Dec. 23, here are some suggestions for the angler on your list… [click to continue…]
