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By Louie Stout
If you’re planning to fish Lake Erie, Detroit River or any waters that the U.S. and Canada share, make sure you stay in U.S. waters.
Otherwise, it will cost you big time.
Canadian border agents and marine patrols are cracking down on Americans who wander into Canadian waters for violating the Canadian Quarantine Act, Customs Act and the Reopening Ontario Act.
We’ve heard of anglers receiving stiff fines. For instance, a story published in a Windsor online newspaper noted that 10 people fishing the Detroit River on four charter boats were fined $8,800 for venturing into Canadian waters.
The border isn’t clearly marked so anglers would be wise to stay close to U.S. shores.
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BoatUS Report
Kill Switch Demo
There are new engine cutoff device wear requirements for recreational boat operators as part of the January 1, 2021, passage of National Defense Authorization Act that included a U.S. Coast Guard Reauthorization.
These devices, commonly referred to as engine cutoff switches (ECOS) or ìkill switches,î are designed to prevent a boat-strike injury if an operator is accidentally ejected overboard while underway.
Engine cutoff devices can be located at the helm of the boat or on the tiller or body of an outboard engine and typically connect a boatís operator to the cutoff switch with a lanyard. Some ECOS devices eliminate the lanyard and rely on wireless proximity devices to shut down an engine if the operator goes overboard.
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Abu Garcia Report
Abu Garcia Top 100
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, famed fishing equipment maker Abu Garcia announces the Top 10 in its list of the country’s Top-100 Fisheries. A list designed to inspire curiosity and exploration as well as debate, the Abu Garcia Top-100 Fisheries list includes natural and man-made lakes, as well as rivers and sections of rivers, across 38 different states—all of them known for delivering the quality, quantity and species of fish most sought after by Abu Garcia loyalists.
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Abu Garcia Report
Abu Garcia Top 100
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, famed fishing equipment maker Abu Garcia announces the fisheries voted No. 1-100 in the Abu Garcia Top-100 Fisheries list.
Today’s list includes 11-100 with the top 10 being named March 15.
The Abu Garcia Top-100 Fisheries list includes natural and man-made lakes, as well as rivers and sections of rivers, across 38 different states—all of them known for delivering the quantity and quality of fish most sought after by Abu Garcia loyalists.
Selected in collaboration with a panel of fishing-industry experts, these fisheries were chosen because they stand out in a host of areas. The list places a premium on those fisheries that offer the best overall multispecies angling opportunities. The list also preserves space for those fisheries offering unparalleled species-specific fishing opportunities and experiences, whether it’s chasing world-record-class redear sunfish on Lake Havasu, fighting a flathead on Santee Cooper or looking for the best five largemouth bass in Lake Guntersville. True trophy-quality angling opportunities for a wealth of different species, from bass to white sturgeon, are included in the list.
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Rather Outdoors Report
Rather Outdoors has announced that it has acquired Zebco Brands (“Zebco”), the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based manufacturer of fishing rods, reels and accessories. Quantum rods and reels were included in the sale.
Zebco is a preeminent marketer of fishing tackle and outdoor gear. Operational since 1949, it is now one of the oldest companies in the Rather Outdoors portfolio of brands.
Rather also owns Lew’s, Strike King Lures, Salmo and Fox fishing companies.
A key component of the Zebco acquisition is the strong Europe portfolio, which includes Telford, England based Preston Innovations (“Preston”), and Zebco Europe, located in Tostedt, Germany. Preston, a leading UK match fishing brand, has an established presence in coarse, carp and bait segments of the European market. Zebco Europe distributes the namesake Zebco brand, but also has a strong share of Europe’s predator fishing with Quantum, which originally launched in the United States in 1984, and is well-established in the lexicon of American and European angling. Together, the acquisition of Zebco Brands solidifies Rather’s goal of attaining a leading global position in the fishing tackle space.