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Welcome to FishExplorer!

FishExplorer aims to maintain the most comprehensive and up-to-date local fishing resource in the state under one roof. We are all about fishing for the love of fishing and sharing that, no matter your experience level.

FishExplorer is angler-owned and produced, and community-managed.

Conditions Reports

Conditions reports are the essence of what we all need to know when embarking on a fishing trip no matter what you're fishing for or with. Water temps, levels, flows, etc. They are at the core of our state fishing catalog.
Visit our Conditions Reports page to learn more
FishExplorer Winter Giveaway

Fish Feed

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FishExplorer Winter Giveaway 2024 Begins!

Yes it is that time of year! Enter now through Dec 31 to win one of many great prizes, for free!
11.19.24 - blog
Fishing News Feature Photo

American Sportfishing Association Testifies on Fisheries Data Modernization

ASA testified before the House Natural Resources on the importance of accurate data in marine fisheries management. Current program may be overestimating recreational fishing effort for fisheries by
06.27.24 - news article
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Fish The Salt

Wife and I got to fish the Marco Island area last week with Capt. Tim of Fish the Salt Charters. Caught a variety of fish including snook, sea trout, spanish mackeral, ladyfish, jack crevalle, cat
04.22.24 - forum post
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Pensacola - fishing, need help

Out visiting my son this Easter weekend. We were going to fish from the pier. However the pier is closed. If anyone would like to help and go fishing, we'd love it! (970-231-5812) Text is best.
04.06.24 - forum post
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Shark guide

Probably a long shot but any have time or know of anyone that can put me and my 6 year old on some sharks in miami on Saturday?
06.08.23 - forum post
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Revealed: THE secret to successful fishing

Of all the technological marvels introduced into the Prater Household in the 20th Century, by far my most popular would be indoor plumbing. But No. 2 or 3 would be monofilament fishing line.
01.28.23 - blog
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FishExplorer Winter Giveaway Winners!

The 2022 FishExplorer Winter Giveaway has come to a close. Winners announced today in this blog.
01.06.23 - blog
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Fishing trip/destination lodging clarification in WG

Just wanted to clarify something that came up in regard to entering the FishExplorer Winter Giveaway and the fishing trips/destination prizes.
12.27.22 - blog
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Winter Giveaway Thanks

We want to give thanks for everyone who has made the winter giveaway possible
12.16.22 - blog
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Promo Codes for FishExplorer Members from WG Partners

We have a new set of discount codes for FishExplorer members, offered by our Winter Giveaway partners!
12.06.22 - blog
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Winter Giveaway Has Started

The 2022 FishExplorer is underway, and it is time for you to go enter if you haven't started entering yet!
11.22.22 - blog
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Ft. Myers area fishing

New to the area and would really appreciate some descent fishing locations for ocean fishing in the Ft. Myers area.
09.20.22 - forum post
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Tips for a transplant?

Just moved from Colorado to the Orlando area, have fished the last 3 days at 3 of the Fab 5 orlando lakes, John's lake conservation and a few park ponds from the FWC website. Everything from worms and
06.27.22 - forum post
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American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) sees the 2022 International Fly Tackle Dealer Show (IFTD) as a Major Success

Despite multiple postponements and an ongoing global pandemic AFFTA pulls off a successful trade show at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah.
04.07.22 - news article
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Sportfishing Leaders Go To Washington

During the committee sessions, some of the issues discussed included legislative priorities such as the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA), federal excise tax issues, import duty relief and cons
04.04.22 - news article
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2021 Winter Giveaway Winners Chosen

We have picked the winners randomly for each prize in our Winter Giveaway of 2021, and the event is now officially wrapped up!
01.07.22 - blog
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WG Discount Codes for FishExplorer Members Now Available

Discount promo codes from some of our 2021 Winter Giveaway partners are now available to FishExplorer members. Enjoy! Go save some $
12.01.21 - blog
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Bassin in the Glades with Jack Savoie and Don Boyle!

Bassin in the Glades with Jack Savoie and Don Boyle! I have to admit we were stumped the first part of the trip, but after a location change the excitement began!
11.28.21 - blog
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Winter Giveaway is Underway!

The annual FishExplorer Winter Giveaway has officially begun. The event runs now through December 31 with dozens of prizes that you can win. Entry is free. Earn more chances by contributing to the we
11.19.21 - blog
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Gearing up for the Winter Giveaway - starts Friday!

Gearing up for another great Winter Giveaway, which will launch this Friday the 19th at 5am!
11.15.21 - blog
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Sportfishing Industry Lends Support for Aquatic Invasive Species Control Legislation

New bill would expand authorities for federal agencies to slow the spread of aquatic invasive species
10.26.21 - news article
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American Sportfishing Association Partners with Wildlife Forever to Fight Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

The “Clean Drain Dry” initiative educates anglers and boaters on how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species
10.25.21 - news article
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Walleye Fly Fishing

A primer on how to go after toothy walleye on the fly. With a sinking line and some clousers, you'll be well on your way to hooking these predators on a noodle rod.
09.03.21 - blog
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Tilapia

I am down visiting the family in the villages, where is the closest lake to catch tilapia from shore? Thank you.
05.12.21 - forum post
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Water Level

When do they lower the water level on the Alligator Chain of lakes. Is it on specific dates and how much do they lower the level..? Can somebody point me to a web site where I can view this informat
05.10.21 - forum post
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South Grasshopper Lake

Does anyone have information on fishing South Grasshopper Lake in the Beakman Lake Recreation area West of Astor? It looks like 5 interconnected lakes. Wonder on accessibility and overall fishing.
04.01.21 - forum post
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Get kids interested and excited to fish!

Want your kids having fun fishing and not bored out of their minds? It's up to you to make it happen and here's a way to get started. Start here and see if your kids don't want to go more.
03.22.21 - blog
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Any help please? and thanks!

Any help for first timers grandma and grandpa spending a day on Lake Ida trying for bucket list peacocks or any other new species for us? Bring boat and all bass tackle. Thanks so much.
03.09.21 - forum post
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Cold Front Blues

In one of my previous blogs, I talked about whether or not it was a myth that the moon affect’s bass fishing. In this blog I want to talk about another topic that anglers may deem as either a fact or
01.16.21 - blog
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Winners of the 2020 Winter Giveaway

Announcing the winners of prizes in the FishExplorer 2020 Winter Giveaway
01.08.21 - blog
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Winter Giveaway Winners

A new season is upon us as 2019 gets off to a warm and windy start. We just picked the winners of the 2018 Winter Giveaway! The winners are listed here in this blog, and emails will go out this afte
01.08.21 - blog
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Say Goodbye to 2020, Cast Your Final Winter Giveaway Entries

2020 is closing, 2021 looks to be promising, and until things get right again we can always get out and fish. Say goodbye to the year that was with a final entry or two into the 2020 FishExplorer Win
12.30.20 - blog
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Your First Five Lures

In this blog I want to focus on the first five lures you will want to add to your tackle box. These lures will catch fish of all species throughout the year when used properly!
12.26.20 - blog
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Your First Fishing Pole

In this second blog of my series on how to get started in fishing, I am going to focus on selecting your first fishing pole.The fishing set up I recommend for beginners is the Pflueger President spinn
12.16.20 - blog
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How to Get Started Fishing

A new series of blogs on the subject of how to get started fishing. In this blog we will cover the topics of rules and regs and finding a place to fish.
12.12.20 - blog
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Do Bass Feel Pain?

A topic that arises from time to time in my fishing conversations is that of the ethicality of catch-and-release fishing. I enjoy catching fish of all species, and I will occasionally harvest some fis
12.09.20 - blog
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Hug your Fishing Shop

It's that time of year to spread a little love! Give some of that goodness to your favorite shops and guides via Google Reviews - it's free and quick and I GUARANTEE will make your favorite biz owner
12.09.20 - blog
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Fish Finder Question

I have a Garmin Striker Plus 4CV. My question, does the water depth start at the transducer. Being that the transducer is aprx 1' below the surface. Let's say I am in 10' of water according to the G
12.06.20 - forum post
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Thank you, Mr. Watson, for taking me fishing

Nearly 60 years ago, I got my fondest wish for my 14th birthday, a fiberglass fly rod. I hadn’t a clue how to fish with it, though neither did Mom or Dad. Fortunately I lived across the street from Mr
11.25.20 - blog
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Working the Pads

As we we were entering a small creek another boat anchored in the pads were tagging a gator of about 10 ft. Great reminder to be safe and use common sense fishing in these area ! See Pic.
11.04.20 - FxR+ forum post
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Sportfishing Industry Celebrates House Passage of America’s Conservation Enhancement Act

The U.S. House of Representatives passed without objection America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act, a historic package of bills to benefit fish and wildlife conservation throughout the nation. Wi
10.01.20 - news article
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Destin, Fl - recommendations

Hey everyone, We are going to the Destin area (Ft. Walton Beach) to visit my daughter next month, does anyone have any services they'd recommend, or tips in general of areas to check out. Really don'
09.30.20 - forum post
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U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes America’s Conservation Enhancement Act

“The ACE Act would be a massive win for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the country,” said Mike Leonard, vice president of Government Affairs at the American Sportfishing Association (ASA)
09.17.20 - news article
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Landmark Win for our Great Outdoors

On August 4th, the President signed into law the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), which previously passed both the House and Senate with strong bipartisan support. The most significant national con
08.04.20 - news article
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Tips on Getting your First Fly Fishing Gear

This is an intro to beginners wanting to get into fly fishing and have no gear. Here is a list of the basic essentials, and some tips on what to look for.
06.22.20 - blog
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Intro to Beginner Fishing Series

Introducing a series of blogs designed for beginner anglers since a lot of people are now getting out for the very first time or picking up the sport again.
06.22.20 - blog
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Northern Colorado Artist Donates to Fishing Guides

Northern Colorado fisherman and artist Cody Richardson is helping fishing guides in times of need through direct donations from sales of his artwork.
04.21.20 - blog
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Using common sense

Hey Fisherman..I traveled Sanford,Debary and Volusia Launches today. All filled to Capacity . Most boaters where practicing self distance.. But the Party Barges were overflowing..If the Media see's t
03.29.20 - FxR+ forum post
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Can I go out fishing with a stay-at-home order?

So you say the words "stay-at-home" and many hear "house arrest". This isn't the case in most places. Most orders dictate that you can be outside doing things like fishing, as long as you keep dista
03.25.20 - blog
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Ode to the Bug

I sat down to write a little bit about fishing in light of the current situation we're all facing, and it turned into a poem. So enjoy!
03.23.20 - blog
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Skipper Help

I'm the new Skipper for the Lake. As I look around their is very little chatter ? I need fishing reports from You Experienced and Old Timers Please ! Their are so many boats under cover from lack of i
03.21.20 - forum post
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Skipper Help

Thoughts Ideas..I'm the new Skipper for the Lake. As I look around their is very little chatter ? I need Reports from you Experienced and Old Timers please. There is a lot of boats undercover because
03.21.20 - FxR+ forum post
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Fresh Water Fishing

I am looking for ponds or lakes to fish in the Venice and Sarasota area. Any help would be appreciated.
03.14.20 - forum post
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Old river bed - Lk Rousseau

I live on the south shore of Lake Rousseau, and would like to have the GPS coordinates for the old river bed from the dam to the 4 corners area. I had these in my old fish finder, but gone now with m
01.26.20 - forum post
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FishExplorer Winter Giveaway Winners

The winners of the FishExplorer Winter Giveaway have been picked, emails are being sent to winners, and I will list the winners here in this blog in case you miss the email.
01.10.20 - blog
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Happy New year FxR Folks!

One decade ending while a new begins, one Winter Giveaway ending while ice fishing is in its prime. Good times, good fishing, happy new year everyone!
12.31.19 - blog
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Recreational Fishing Wins Bipartisan Support from U.S. Senate Committee

The National Fish Habitat Through Partnership Act was included in this conservation legislation
12.17.19 - news article
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Discount Codes for FishExplorer Members

Some of our Winter Giveaway sponsors are offering discount codes to FishExplorer members. I hope it helps you find that unique something you're looking for!
12.11.19 - blog
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U.S. House Passes Bipartisan Fish Habitat Legislation

Bill will establish more consistent federal funding for habitat conservation programs
12.11.19 - news article
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CarpQuest Season 7 - Episode 7 Released - Carp Fishing at the Fairgrounds

Fantastic carp fishing session at Adams County Fairgrounds in Colorado, USA. My brother Peter was over from the UK to do some wildlife photography,
12.08.19 - blog
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No talking politics

We Fish Explorer folks seem to maintain very cordial conversations on Forums, making for friendly communications. Here's a reminder from the Loveland Fishing Club on how they keep from strangling one
12.07.19 - blog
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The Winter Giveaway of 2019 Begins

Today we are launching the largest Winter Giveaway we've had to date. Any member can enter to win something - no gimmicks. Log in, choose prizes, and come back and do it again later.
11.19.19 - blog
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FishAmerica Foundation Awards Four Habitat Improvement Grants

The grassroots projects will improve water quality and aquatic habitat
11.12.19 - news article
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Are State Lands Really Public?

School trust lands were intended to make money for the state, but exactly how they should do that is up for debate
10.03.19 - news article
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crappie fishing in the Harris CHAIN OF LAKES

i HAVE LIVED ON THE harris chain of Lakes for 27 years. All of those yeaes i have fished for black crappie in the winter. THE BLACK CRAPPIE HAVE BECOME SCARCER AND SCARCER AND SMALLER. i SEE A LOT OF
09.05.19 - forum post
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Highlight of recent trip to Montana was hooking five species of fish in one river

Montana. Big Sky Country. Fabled trout waters.
09.01.19 - news article
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Organization, cleaning and sharp hooks

A few years ago my buddy and I were pre-fishing for a walleye tournament. The bite was soft and light. He caught about 5 to my one before I decided to check the hook on my jig.
08.07.19 - blog
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Rick Bramwell column: Persistence pays off with fishing expedition

Persistence pays off with fishing expedition
07.19.19 - news article
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The Fishing is Good!

My fishing style and place is quite limited, by my own choice. But when you can fish a slice of heaven and catch the kind of fish on the kind of equipment I have the privilege to use, there's little
07.07.19 - blog
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Myrtle Beach Fishing guides

Hey fellas, I am a regular over on the Colorado board, but am going to be fishing in Myrtle beach South Carolina at the end of the month. I was wondering if anybody had any recommendations on fishing
06.04.19 - forum post
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Designer helps spread gospel of tenkara fishing

Designer helps spread gospel of tenkara fishing
05.29.19 - news article
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New fishing lines and old anglers

Consider this a tutorial on new fishing lines for old Colorado dogs, and anyone else who needs to learn new tricks. (Warning: Anyone with a heavy investment in heavy equipment may disagree with what f
05.26.19 - blog
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Jupiter charter fishing

Haven't seen a lot posted on this side so figured I would throw this out there. Caught a ride on the Mystic Rose on Monday and had a great time. Mark the captain put us on fish immediately and we e
05.22.19 - forum post
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Acess to lake poinsett

I'm new to Florida by way of Colorado. Was gonna take the bass boat out to Poinsett and the only ramp I found is off of sr520. Wondering if you can access the lake from this ramp? Any help would be
05.21.19 - forum post
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SAFE BOATING IS NO ACCIDENT

SAFE BOATING IS NO ACCIDENT
05.18.19 - news article
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SUWANNEE RIVER NOT ON THE LIST

I put this as a journal entry to my page, becaue we still need to add the Suwanne AND Santa Fe Rivers to the Florida maps. But I visited there again today, for the fourth time, and want to make a rep
05.17.19 - forum post
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Fishing for Mental Health

Go fishing. It is the best thing you can do for yourself.
05.14.19 - blog
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Stink Bait

Hello all! Just looking for some constructive opinions. I am attempting to prepare my own stink bait for Catfish, or anything else that might take a bite. I'm thinking a "dough" bait molded around a
05.11.19 - FxR+ forum post
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Casting for a Good Time? Check Out this Trout and Ale Trail Across the U.S.

Casting for a Good Time? Check Out this Trout and Ale Trail Across the U.S.
04.30.19 - news article
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The On Switch

It takes three things to catch fish.
03.30.19 - blog
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Happy Spring Y'all

Boat registration? Check. Trailer registration? Check. 2019 fishing license? Check. The spring equinox is here, and the weather on the Front Range is showing it. Time to make sure the ducks are all i
03.20.19 - blog
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Ready For Carp

Fly fishing for Carp is a blast! Whether you're targeting Common Carp, Grass Carp, or Mirror Carp - these fish are sure to test your fly fishing skills.
03.18.19 - blog
forum

Calendar Announcement Banner

Calendar Announcement Banner CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us Florida State Parks Weekend Happenings: Feb. 1-3 ~Visit a Florida State Par
01.30.19 - forum post
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The "Better Gear" Conversation

Someone will begin a conversation about better gear and the conversation always goes to the same place where every single one of the initiators of the conversation gets it all wrong!
01.22.19 - blog
forum

Looking for info

I will be in town from Colorado on Feb 13th for a few days, and was hoping to get some info on Little lake Bryan, Lake Eve or even the lake in front of the Hilton Hotel in between the 2 lakes..
01.16.19 - forum post
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Now I MIGHT be starting an argument here...

I wouldn’t normally rub Tom or Dave or Dan’s nose in it, but there is a fatal flaw or two behind any anglers’ determination to measure (or worse, to eat) whatever they catch:
01.11.19 - blog
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Body Glove Mariner ISUP Winner

From November 21 - December 31 all conditions reports submitted for lakes and rivers on FishExplorer were entered in a drawing for the Body Glove Mariner ISUP. And today we announce the lucky winner!
01.09.19 - blog
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PRESIDENT SIGNS MODERN FISH ACT INTO LAW

The recreational fishing and boating community is celebrating the enactment of the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2018 (Modern Fish Act), which was signed into law by President T
01.07.19 - news article
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Here's to a Great 2019!

The Winter Giveaway and the Body Glove/FishExplorer Winter Reports Campaign are through, but 2019 just got started and there's a lot of fishing to do!
01.03.19 - blog
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Starting the New Year out right

When I lived in Grand Junction, Colorado during the 80's, a group of us fished New Year's day. Once I moved to Fort Collins, and since I let this tradition lapse. With luck, as a party of one I've s
01.02.19 - blog
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Win A $100,000 Bass Fishing

OK, maybe it's not a simple as Newell Brands suggest. To collect the $100,000 you have to catch a new world record largemouth bass using Stanley Jig bait or Hale Lure bait. A record that's held since
12.30.18 - blog
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TEXAS COMPANY SETS $100,000 BOUNTY FOR WORLD RECORD BASS

Hale Lures/Stanley Jigs, a leading manufacturer of trophy bass tackle, is putting their money behind their reputation.
12.30.18 - news article
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Fishing Styles I Have Known

When everything works just right I will have a monster bass on the end of a 5 weight fly rod and it is worth repeating as often as I can.
12.29.18 - blog
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Bipartisan Conservation Champions Rally to Save LWCF by Year’s End

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) champions in the House and Senate rallied on the steps of the U.S. Capitol with conservation leaders and outdoor recreation advocates today calling on Congress
12.01.18 - news article
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2018 Winter Giveaway Starts Now

The 13th annual Winter Giveaway is officially underway. It is hard to believe that we've been doing this since 2006. Over 790 prizes have been awarded in that time.
11.19.18 - blog
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PURE FISHING SOLD TO BELK, HOT TOPIC OWNERS FOR $1.3 BILLION

Newell Brands (NYSE:NWL) made substantial progress on its Accelerated Transformation Plan, designed to create a simpler, faster, stronger consumer-focused portfolio of leading brands and today announc
11.07.18 - news article
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Luring More Women To Fishing In The Upper Great Lakes

The number of Americans who fish is in decline and that decline has had an impact on conservation projects, because hunting and fishing licenses help fund everything from habitat restoration to clean
11.06.18 - news article
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GILA TROUT: A NATIVE TROUT CONSERVATION STORY

GILA TROUT: A NATIVE TROUT CONSERVATION STORY
11.03.18 - news article
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River Levels

If you fish rivers, or kayak, or canoe them, you may know about the USGS river gauges. They are scattered up and down the navigable rivers, and you can see their information on the internet in real t
10.31.18 - blog
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The Secret Lure

Today I’m letting the cat out of the bag and revealing to you all the secret lure of fishing. This lure has been used by elite anglers for generations separating the pros from the amateurs year after
10.19.18 - blog

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Recent Conditions Updates

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