Fishing Industry News: RBFF Using Tech to Reel In Anglers, Boaters; Kluch Gets Colorful

In the latest fishing industry news, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation is using smart technology to reel in boaters and anglers. Also, Kluch offers new apparel highlighting one of the most colorful fish in the ocean.

Fishing Industry News: RBFF Using Tech to Reel In Anglers, Boaters; Kluch Gets Colorful

In the latest fishing industry news:

While fishing and boating likely always will be seen as a way to disconnect digitally and get back to nature, it’s clear that we can’t ditch technology if we truly want participation to grow.

RBFF is using a well-calculated approach to engage customers with new technology, including digital and voice applications.

More Americans than ever are turning to voice technology to do everything from turning down the lights in the living room to finding a new recipe for dinner. With the help of Take Me Fishing, Amazon Alexa users can get fishing information from their smart speaker. The device uses data from the Take Me Fishing Places to Fish & Boat Map powered by FishBrain to deliver details on particular bodies of water, fish species, and fishing forecasts. It can even recommend a fishing spot nearby, no matter where you are.

More than 45 million smart devices are being used in homes throughout the country and experts predict that 50 percent of search queries will be voice-based by 2020. As a nation, we are becoming more and more comfortable with technology in almost every facet of our lives. Now is the time to embrace that technology and engage with customers where they’re already spending their time.

Missouri Non-Resident License Fees Increasing

The Missouri Department of Conservation will increase prices for some nonresident hunting and fishing permits starting in 2020.

According to MDC, permit prices have not been raised in more than a decade. Adjustments are needed to help keep up with increasing costs of providing conservation programs and services.

Price increases were given initial approval by the Missouri Conservation Commission at its May 23 meeting. As part of the rulemaking process, MDC asked for public comment on the changes during July. The Commission then considered input received and approved the increases during its Aug. 23 meeting.

The effective date will be Feb. 29, 2020, for these nonresident permit price increases (previous price shown first):

Daily Fishing (1 Day) $7 $8
Daily Fishing (3 Days) $21 $24
Annual Fishing $42 $49

Hunting and furbearer license fees also will increase.

Nonresidents account for nearly 100 percent of daily fishing permit purchases and daily small-game hunting permit purchases. As part of the changes, MDC also will limit daily fishing permits and daily hunting permits to 1 and 3 days, and eliminate daily fishing permits and daily hunting permits for other numbers of days (2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days).

MDC permit sales account for about 17 percent of the agency’s annual revenue and help fund numerous conservation efforts in the state. Other significant revenue sources include the Conservation Sales Tax at about 61 percent and federal reimbursements at about 16 percent. Sales and rentals, interest, and other sources make up the remaining 6 percent of MDC revenue.

According to MDC, the average Missourian pays about $19 annually for conservation efforts through the Department’s dedicated sales tax revenue. MDC receives no funding from property taxes, tickets or citations (which go to local school districts), or the state’s general revenue budget.

Washington DNR Using Drones for Chinook Survey Counts

Starting in September and going through November of 2019, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will partner with Washington State University (WSU) on a research project to use drone technology to advance conservation efforts for summer Chinook salmon.

An unmanned aerial vehicle will be used to identify and inventory salmon spawning nests, called redds, in three areas of the Upper Wenatchee River watershed. Those areas include near Lake Wenatchee, near Tumwater Campground, and near Blackbird Island (near Leavenworth). In addition, surveys conducted on foot and by boat also will be used.

High resolution photos and video taken by the drone will help to identify spawning locations and habitat characteristics. Redd abundance and distribution are common metrics used to monitor and evaluate the status and trend of adult salmon populations.

The use of a drone is expected to provide improved data for more accurate population forecasting. It is also less expensive and labor intensive than manual count methods used in the past. The use of the drone, and drone pilot Daniel Auerbach's expertise, will be of minimal cost to WDFW. Auerbach is a graduate student at WSU's School of Environment and this project is part of his thesis research. His work is a collaboration with WDFW's McLain Johnson, who leads research efforts in the area.

During this project, drone flights will take place twice per week for approximately an hour at a time, typically during early morning hours. Photos and video will be taken of the river only, not surrounding areas. The majority of surveys will take place on public land and flying over private land will be avoided when possible. Flight plans and procedures will be carried out in accordance with WDFW Policy and Procedures.

Aerial Trout Stocking Completed in Granite State

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department completed its annual aerial stocking of remote trout ponds earlier this summer. Fish and Game contracts a helicopter to stock remote ponds across the Granite State, from the Sunapee Region to Pittsburg.

During this one-day event, nearly 50 remote ponds are stocked with brook trout fingerlings from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s hatcheries to ensure residents and visitors enjoy a successful remote fishing experience.

Fish stocked last June will have reached 5-6 inches in most areas, with 2-year-olds reaching 8 inches or more, and 3-year-olds often reaching 10 or more inches.

A few of these remote ponds are designated as “special regulations only." Check specific waterbody regulations prior to a trip. To see the entire list of stocked remote ponds, visit www.fishnh.com/fishing/trout-aerial.html.

Aerial trout stocking is made possible through fishing license sales and Federal Sportfish Restoration dollars. A grant and funds from the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire supported this program in recent years. If you wish to make a donation to help fund the program, go to: www.nhwildlifeheritage.org/donate for ways to donate and mark your donation “Aerial Stocking.”

Gemini Jerseys Offers Discount to College Anglers

Through Gemini Jersey's long-standing partnership with the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series, collegiate anglers and teams are eligible for various Gemini discounts including single orders and team orders.

Gemini can also assist with designing or helping add specific sponsor logos needed to qualify for various incentive programs.

"We are excited to begin another season partnered with the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series. Together from the beginning we've seen this sport grow and evolve over the years," said Brad Raymond, President of Gemini Jerseys. "Continuing our collegiate fishing discounts of up to 50 percent off, we've redesigned our jerseys and are excited for the new season."

Visit the Gemini website here and click on the discount option that best suits your team needs. Once you've chosen your discount option, simply fill out the fields needed to get your custom jersey process started.

Wearing a Gemini Jersey can also win you a $250 Gemini Gift Card. If the winning team at the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship is wearing a Gemini Jersey, the team will win a $250 Gift Card. To qualify, the jersey with the Gemini logo must be worn throughout the tournament, including weigh-in.

College anglers can purchase these jerseys here.

Colorful Mahi Mahi Highlighted on Kluch Apparel

Kluch drew inspiration from one of the most colorful fish in the sea when it designed the Mahi series of performance and leisurewear.

The stylish line features board shorts, T-shirts, leggings, and even a towel — all constructed with durable fabrics designed to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable.

The men's Mahi Skin Board Shorts share the striking yellows and deep blues of its namesake, sublimated on a quick-dry fabric. Designed with an active lifestyle in mind, the shorts feature four-way stretch fabric and a hidden side pocket sized to hold pliers, cell phone or other items. They are available in sizes 28 to 38, with size 40 arriving in time for the holidays. The attractive and functional shorts retail for $60.

Kluch's artists transformed the graceful lines of the Mahi Mahi into a striking drawing for the Geo Mahi short sleeve tee ($25) and performance long sleeve tee ($40). The new design is printed on a seagrass colored tee that stays cool and comfortable, thanks to the wicking properties of the 100 percent polyester construction.

You can be at home on the water or in the yoga studio with the Kluch Mahi Skin women's leggings. An elastic-free mid-rise waistband provides all-day comfort without chafing and the ankle-length won't interfere with footwear. Available in sizes extra small through extra-large, the leggings retail for $65.




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