• Starboard Choice Marine
  • Moore Boats


(Provided by Gamebird Assoc.)

Study Reveals Game Bird Industry’s Economic, Social ImpactsStudy Reveals Game Bird Industry’s Economic, Social Impacts

New research measuring the impact of America’s game bird farms and hunting preserves reveals that the industry contributes nearly $1.7 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

This figure, along with many others that delve deeper into the industry’s social and economic benefits, comes from the study “Economic Impact of the Gamebird Industry,” which was funded by the National Shooting Sports Foundation for the North American Gamebird Association.

The research was conducted by Southwick Associates, a leading research firm on outdoor recreation and presented by founder Rob Southwick at NAGA’s annual convention in Orlando, Florida.

While actual expenditures by game bird facilities are estimated at just over $634 million, Southwick explained that U.S. Department of Commerce models reveal these dollars actually create a $1.7 billion annual impact when the purchasing power of the recipients of the initial funds are considered. This total impact number is also known as the “multiplier effect,” and provides a better reflection of the industry’s true contribution to the economy.


Tackle manufacturers, fishing celebrities highlight Chicago Outdoor Expo

The Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo is slated for January 28-31, 2016 at the Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, Ill.

Presented by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Expo packs 100,000 square feet with fishing tackle manufacturers, local retailers, custom rod and tackle builders, charter boat captains, fishing guides and camps from across North America and beyond, as well as a diverse selection of the latest in fishing boats.


The Great Lakes Fishery Commission today reported that abundances of destructive, invasive sea lampreys have been knocked down to a 30 year low in Lake Huron, a 20 year low in Lake Michigan, and to below the target level in Lake Ontario.

The commission also reported that although sea lampreys are above the target levels in Lakes Erie and Superior, the trends in both lakes follow a steady five-year decline. Sea lampreys are and always will be a constant battle in the Great Lakes and without lamprey control, the fishery would suffer significant ecological and economic harm.

The sea lamprey is one of the worst human-caused ecological disasters ever inflicted upon the Great Lakes. Sea lampreys invaded through shipping canals and, by 1939, were present throughout the system. They attach to Great Lakes fish with a tooth-filled, suction cup mouth and file a hole through the fishís scales and skin with a razor-sharp tongue. The average sea lamprey will kill up to 40 pounds (18 kg) of fish during its parasitic stage. Sea lampreys prefer trout, salmon, whitefish, and sturgeon, but they also attack smaller fish like walleye and perch.

Sea lamprey control consists of several techniques including lampricides, barriers, and traps. The commission also is experimenting with sex pheromones as a way to disrupt spawning behavior. For more information about sea lampreys and control, visit www.sealamprey.org/sealamp.


SCHAUMBURG, IL -- The Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo featuring big name pro seminars and major tackle brand exhibits will be held Jan. 29-Feb. 1 at the Schaumburg Convention Center.

The seminar lineup includes Michael Iaconelli, Gerald "G-Man" Swindle, Jacob Powroznik, Derek Yamamoto, Tommy Skarlis, and Marianne Huskey. Numerous regional pros will also offer their expertise.

The show covers every fishing style and the pursuit of species ranging from bass to musky, salmon to trout, and panfish to pike.

The Expo packs more than 100,000 square feet of exhibits of fishing tackle, local retailers, custom rod and tackle builders, charter boat captains, fishing guides and fish camps from across North America.

The Boatyard brings displays and show deals from Lund, Crestliner, Ranger, Tuffy, Prince Craft, Sea Ark, Alumacraft, Bayliner, Avalon, Sun Tracker, Tahoe, Crest, Smokercraft and more.

The Expo features Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, St. Croix, Temple Fork Outfitters, Gamma Fishing Line, Rapala, Plano, G. Loomis, Frabill, Ardent, Garmin, Eagle Claw, Seaguar Fishing Line, PowerPro, Raymarine, Livingston Lures, Stormr and Joe Bucher Outdoors, to highlight just a sampling.


(Provided by Bass Pro Shops)

SPRINGFIELD, MO - Bass Pro Group announced today an agreement to acquire Fishing Holdings, LLC, a manufacturer of fishing boats that include Ranger Boats and the Stratos and Triton boat brands from Platinum Equity.

The agreement combines popular fishing boat brands that are recognized internationally. It also creates another connection between two industry leaders, Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris and Ranger Boats founder Forrest Wood, who are dedicated fishermen, conservationists and entrepreneurs. Years ago the iconic outdoorsmen both began fishing on the White River and White River Chain of Lakes in the Ozarks and even fished together in the first National BASS Tournaments.

"This partnership brings added long-term stability for both companies and for the dealer networks that provide customers with quality boats at exceptional values," said Morris, who also is founder/CEO of Tracker Marine Group. "I've had the pleasure of knowing Forrest Wood many years, and I deeply respect him and his family that founded and built a solid performing business with excellent products."

Morris added that: "It's also important that our companies share comparable cultures and values and are dedicated to manufacturing quality products in the USA."