ESPN Outdoors has issued a correction to the column written by Robert Montogomery.  According to Steve Bowman, executive editor of ESPN Outdoors.com:

Regrettably, we made several errors in the editing and presentation of this installment. Though our series has included numerous news stories on the topic, this was not one of them — it was an opinion piece, and should have been clearly labeled as commentary.

Link for full correction.

According to this article on ESPN Outdoors.com, the Obama administration is no longer accepting public input for federal fishery strategy.  While a certainly a disappointing development, many are not surprised by this action.
 

Here’s an excerpt from the article:

"In spite of what we hear daily in the press about the President’s concern for jobs and the economy and contrary to what he stated in the June order creating this process, we have seen no evidence from NOAA or the task force that recreational fishing and related jobs are receiving any priority."

Consequently, unless anglers speak up and convince their Congressional representatives to stop this bureaucratic freight train, it appears that the task force will issue a final report for "marine spatial planning" by late March, with President Barack Obama then issuing an Executive Order to implement its recommendations — whatever they may be.

For the full article check out:
http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/saltwater/news/story?id=4975762

The Marco / Naples king mackerel tournament is now just days away.  Take a look at this video of Delph Fishing Team’s 71.89 pound kingfish which was caught several years ago in this division.  This monster fish set the SKA record, at the time.

The SKA’s official website has launched a new feature to their site.  This new page, called "Fishery Reform", will update king mackerel anglers on the efforts being made to re-authorize the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

Make sure you check out this new feature of the SKA’s site often.  Here’s a link.

Here’s an excerpt from their site:

All told, various groups held over 120 meetings with elected officials on our fisheries plight and the total failure of NMFS to balance our right to fish and the fish stocks.

Now Congress knows how devastating fishery closures are to coastal communities. The real reason we were in town, to draw attention to our cause through a rally, was to be held the following day from noon till three o’clock in a park adjacent to the U.S. Capitol Building.

Take a look at this interesting article from BoatTest.com discussing future trends of the marine industry.  The article, entitled The New Normal In New Boat Buying discusses how future boats and engines will focus on making boating more affordable.

To read the article, click here.

The Marco Island Kingfish Tournament has been rescheduled.  According to tournament director, Jim Scharfschwerdt, the tournament will be fished on Sunday, March 14th and will run in conjunction with the Fishin’ in Paradise Saltwater Classic in Naples.  There will be one captains meeting for both events on March 12th and three checkout points located in Marco Island, Naples, and Fort Myers.

Here’s the official statement from Jim:

The NWS tells us today that it is extremely likely that sea conditions, although favorable first thing Saturday morning, will deteriorate rapidly in the afternoon as a system develops in the region. 

Although this may inconvenience some anglers, in keeping with our commitment to bring you safe, fun and exciting family style events, we ask that you please respect this hard thought decision.

I know we have all have heard of the show, "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" Well, what about when it comes to fishing? Jake Myers, only nine years old and in the third grade, finished third last year in the Marco Island Kingfish Tournament. Only Roll On, a local team and Bandit, the 2009 Angler of the Year, were able to beat Jake’s team, Triple J.  For his efforts, Jake was awarded the 2009 Junior Angler of the Year.

If you think you are up for the challenge, the 2010 Division 11 season gets under way this weekend with the Marco Island Kingfish Tournament. The Captain’s Meeting is this Friday and is followed by a long fish day on Saturday.

Water temperature is going to play a big factor for this tournament. Unfortunately it is currently hovering in the mid-60’s. Most of the reports are finding only smaller fish. Look for the teams that are able to find the warmer water to have the best luck at producing the bigger fish.