Millennium Marine expands its Monitor Mount lineup with new MM003 and MM004 models featuring powder-coated aluminum construction, preset-tension design, and telescoping risers. The complete lineup includes single and double configurations in silver and black finishes, all backed by 1-year warranties.
FISHING
Jason Koontz of Frederick earned the 35th Master Angler Milestone Award from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' FishMaryland program by catching 10 trophy-sized fish of different species, including a blue shark, striped bass, and smallmouth bass from the Monocacy River.
Idaho anglers set three catch-and-release state records in August for lesser-known species: Neil Benoit caught a 6.5-inch redside shiner on the Salmon River, Joe Levin landed a 26-inch Utah sucker on the South Fork Snake River, and Rylee Dragon caught a 20.5-inch tench from Lake Coeur d'Alene.
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.
The Utah Wildlife Board approved updates to fishing regulations, elk hunting rules, and amphibian and reptile collection policies. Changes include new take methods for various fish species, protective slot limits at specific reservoirs, and increased flexibility for elk hunting weapon splits and permit options, effective during the 2027 hunting season.
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.
Clam Outdoors announces the ClamAYRβ’ Boondocker Ice Fishing Model, featuring fully insulated thermal wall panels and proprietary AYRTruss Designβ’ technology. The shelter weighs under 100 lbs, sets up in minutes, and is priced at $2,499.99.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife invites licensed anglers to mentor up to four unlicensed adults aged 15+ during Free Mentored Fishing Weekend, September 5-7. Commissioner Jason Batchelder encourages experienced anglers to share their passion and help newcomers discover the sport.
Chris A. Germano of St. Simons Island caught a 42-pound, 15.36-ounce Almaco Jack on April 4, 2026, setting a new Georgia state saltwater game fish record. The catch, made at offshore artificial reef R4 using a Shimano Stradic 8000 reel and Crowder D8000 rod, surpasses the previous record by over 15 pounds.
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.
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.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is proposing updates to fishing regulations, elk hunting rules, and amphibian/reptile collection policies for 2027-28, seeking public feedback on changes affecting various waterbodies and species across the state.
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.
Trevor Swisse of Sidney caught Montana's largest paddlefish in 2026, a nearly 117-pound female that had evaded capture for 22 years. The fish, originally tagged by North Dakota Fish & Game in 2004, gained 27 pounds over two decades. Regional fisheries manager Mike Backes estimates the fish is 40-62 years old based on spawning migration patterns.
Parker Shipman caught a state record pumpkinseed sunfish weighing 1.23 pounds on Echo Lake near Kalispell on June 30 while fishing with his buddy Joe. The fish measured 10.04 inches long and 11.34 inches wide, surpassing the previous record caught in Fennon Slough.
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.
Luke Anderson set Idaho's new certified-weight state record for Westslope cutthroat trout at 13.6 inches. Idaho's State Record Fish Program was revamped in 2016 to include separate categories for four cutthroat trout sub-species, opening opportunities for new records while reflecting decades of conservation efforts.
Wade Jensen from Moore, Idaho caught and released a 16.7-inch Arctic grayling at Fishpole Lake on June 20, setting a new Idaho state catch-and-release record. The alpine fish, known for its distinctive large dorsal fin, represents one of the most coveted species among mountain anglers.
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.
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.
