The Outdoor Wire

FISHING

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission certified a new state record jaguar guapote weighing 3.02 pounds, caught by 16-year-old Xzavier Peon from Miami in the Westwood Lakes area. The previous record stood for nine years before Xzavier's catch was confirmed in September 2026.

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The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department reports that fall brings exceptional fishing conditions as cooling water temperatures increase feeding activity across multiple species including bass, pike, walleye, trout, and salmon. Fisheries biologist Shawn Good recommends targeting weedbeds and shoreline transitions with brightly colored lures during this prime angling season.

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites anglers to participate in the Big Catch program, a family-friendly freshwater angler recognition program featuring over 30 eligible species. The program recently updated its website to make participation easier and help anglers target specific species, with youth anglers eligible for easier qualifying sizes.

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Friday, August 21, 2026

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds anglers to follow state regulations during late-summer fishing season, including immediately releasing caught fish except for brief measurement or photography. The Department urges anglers to keep fish caught from depths greater than 25 feet due to barotrauma risks.

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Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick recommends high-elevation fishing in areas like the Uinta Mountains and Boulder Mountain from July through early October. These Blue Ribbon Fisheries offer diverse trout species including cutthroat, brook, brown, rainbow, and Arctic grayling in thousands of miles of publicly accessible streams.

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Do you need a universal, good to have in your box kind of fly? This Madam X variation works on rivers like the Big Hole, the Bitterroot, Rock Creek and the Blackfoot as well as on high mountain lakes. Target rising fish or work the edges of the lake where fish are cruising and hoping for a clumsy hopper or beetle to fall in. Cast it and twitch it. This fly is meant to move.

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Arkansas anglers can beat summer heat by night fishing for catfish using passive methods like trotlines, limblines, and juglines. Channel catfish respond to prepared baits, while flathead catfish require live bait such as green sunfish or black salties. Anglers must properly identify their lines and follow state regulations regarding line checks and identification requirements.

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Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Florida's 2026 spiny lobster season opens with a two-day recreational sport season on July 29-30, followed by the regular season beginning August 6 through March 31, 2027. Harvesters must possess valid licenses and permits, follow size requirements, and adhere to bag limits varying by location. Participants in the 2026 Lionfish Challenge may harvest one additional lobster per day.

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