First-ever Alligator Gar Caught in Kansas Posted by TBC Press on: 10/19/21 When a lure drops below the water’s surface, it’s not always known what might rise to meet it. On a warm night late last month, one angler fishing the Neosho River east of Parsons caught something he probably never expected to see – a four and a half-foot, 39.5-pound Alligator Gar. The kicker? Alligator Gar aren’t native to Kansas and have never been documented here. So, Kansas WPF biologists must ask, What’s an alligator gar doing in the Neosho River?... Read More

Veterans May Now Fish N.C. Mountain Heritage Trout Waters for Free Posted by TBC Press on: 10/19/21 The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission established the Mountain Heritage Trout Waters Program in 2008 to promote trout fishing as a heritage tourism activity on trout waters that run through 17 mountain communities in western North Carolina. Typically, anglers 16 and older must purchase a three-day license or use any valid inland fishing license to fish these waters. However... Read More

FWC closure for Gray Triggerfish, Red Grouper and some Snappers in Gulf State Waters Posted by TBC Press on: 10/12/21 The Florida FWC approved temporary closures to recreational harvest of gray triggerfish, red grouper, blackfin snapper, queen snapper, silk snapper and wenchman in Gulf state waters starting Monday, Oct. 11. These closures are consistent with recent closures in Gulf federal waters. Gray triggerfish will reopen March 1, 2022. Red grouper, as well as... Read More

Florida 2021 Stone Crab Season Opens Oct 15 Posted by TBC Press on: 10/04/21 The Florida 2021 recreational and commercial stone crab harvest seasons start Oct. 15 and remain open through May 1, closing May 2, 2022. The minimum claw size limit is 2 7/8 inches. As a reminder, all plastic and wood stone crab traps will need to be outfitted with a 2 3/16-inch escape ring before the 2023/2024 season. Recreational Trap Registration: Recreational harvesters who are age 16 and older and fish with traps are required to... Read More

ODFW Opens Big Creek 2021 Hatchery Coho Salmon Early Posted by TBC Press on: 10/04/21 Big Creek (lower Columbia River tributary east of Astoria) opened to fishing more than two weeks early (Oct 1) to allow anglers to access an expected large hatchery coho salmon run and surplus hatchery Chinook salmon. Big Creek is typically open from the mouth (including the railroad trestle near the mouth) to the hatchery deadline Oct. 16-Dec. 31 for hatchery Chinook, hatchery steelhead and hatchery coho. Under temporary rules adopted by ODFW for 2021, it will be... Read More

California 2021 Recreational Spiny Lobster Season Opens Oct 2 Posted by TBC Press on: 09/29/21 California’s recreational spiny lobster season is set to kick off Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at 6 a.m., continuing through March 16, 2022. Last year’s season was particularly active, likely driven by residents looking for opportunities for outdoor activities during COVID-19 lockdowns. A lobster report card is required for all persons fishing for lobster, and individuals 16 years or older must have a valid sport fishing license and ocean enhancement stamp. Hoop netters and divers must... Read More

Angler Catches West Virginia Record Blue Catfish Posted by TBC Press on: 09/29/21 An Ohio angler caught a West Virginia state record blue catfish on Sept. 10 from the Ohio River. Justin Goode of Cheshire, OH, caught a 50.15-inch, 54.84-pound blue catfish in the R.C. Byrd Tailwaters near Pt. Pleasant, breaking the previous record for length (49.84 inches) set by... Read More