Some of the latest news in the fishing industry:

TrueTimber, which debuted its fishing line at the 2018 ICAST show in Orlando, has expanded the line and will display a variety of performance apparel items, accessories and partner products at the 2019 ICAST show from July 10-12.

TrueTimber invites attendees to visit booth 4846 to experience the TrueTimber Fishing product line and see a number of other products in the brand’s most popular camouflage patterns. Attendees can discuss licensing opportunities with the fastest growing camouflage brand in the country and meet professional angler and TrueTimber brand ambassador Edwin Evers.

“ICAST is one of the most important trade events in the recreational fishing industry, and TrueTimber has a lot in store for attendees this year,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars. “In the wake of our TrueTimber Fishing launch last year, another ICAST gives us an incredible opportunity to familiarize trade professionals with the product line and ultimately get it into the hands of anglers all over the world. Attendees will see our best-in-class camo patterns, including Viper Aqua and Rift, which were designed exclusively for those who live and breathe fishing and the outdoors.”

One of the most successful anglers of all time, Evers is one of only five competitors in history to pass the $3 million mark in career winnings. Evers has recorded 11 wins and 110 top-20 finishes in his 22-year career. He won the 2016 Bassmaster Classic and 2019 Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Stage Two in Conroe, Texas. Evers is also an avid outdoorsman and hunter — primarily hunting deer, turkey and waterfowl — when he’s not on the water.

Natchez Shooting Supply Adds Fishing

Natchez Shooters Supplies has added more than 7,000 fishing products to its website including many of the top brands.

“Our customers are outdoor enthusiasts," said Natchez President Ron Staffieri. "Fishing is a logical step as we continue to grow our product offerings. Currently, our focus is on providing products for bass anglers, but we also offer products for catfish, panfish, and trout anglers,” 

Googan, Berkley, Yamamoto and Shimano are just a few of the top selling brands among the large selection of baits, rods, reels, lines, hooks and tackle, storage, and accessories. All fishing purchases of $50 and up ship free.

Natchez Shooters Supplies was founded in 1979 and has more than 40,000 skus of outdoor sporting products. Learn more by calling (800) 251-7839 or visit us at https://www.natchezss.com/fishing.html

Frostad New President, CEO at Navico

Knut Frostad has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Navico, parent company to the Lowrance, Simrad, B&G and C-MAP brands, by the company's board of directors.

“It will be a privilege and honor to lead Navico – a truly global company with highly talented people and iconic brands,” Frostad said. “We have an exceptional team at Navico that is focused on transforming the business, continuing to innovate and unlocking future growth opportunities. With my passion for boating and the water, this is truly an exciting opportunity.”

Frostad assumes the role of outgoing chief executive Leif Ottosson.

“We thank Leif Ottosson for leading 10 years of transformation and growth in Navico,” said Hugo Maurstad, chairman of the board of Navico. “Under his management, revenues have doubled, and we have seen a manyfold increase in earnings as well as significant improvements to our supply chain and R&D programs.”

“Knut Frostad has been on Navico’s board for 14 years and brings solid experience in the industry and understanding of our business as former CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, as well as director and advisor to several international companies. I can think of no one better to take over and lead Navico into a new era,” Maurstad said.

Frostad’s day-to-day leadership of Navico will begin immediately.

Louisiana Officials Confirm Invasive Asian Swamp Eel

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has verified that the Asian swamp eel, an invasive species, has been found in Bayou St. John in New Orleans.

LDWF sampling have found the eel, native to Asia, in several locations. The impact of the Asian swamp eel on native species is unknown. Its diet consists of fish, shrimp, crawfish, frogs and other aquatic invertebrates, such as worms and insects.

In its native habitat, the Asian swamp eel is routinely found in shallow waterbodies and burrows into the shoreline for nesting areas and protection from predators. It primarily lives in freshwater; however, it can tolerate brackish water for short periods.

“If this species becomes established in Louisiana it could be the first population in the United States. Its impact to our native fish is unknown and something we will study. We are always concerned when we find potentially invasive, non-native species in the state,” said LDWF Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator Robert Bourgeois.

These eels are common food in many parts of Asia. How the eels found their way into Louisiana waterways is unknown. However, the most likely case is through an accidental release or the release of pets from an aquarium. Possession of live Asian swamp eels is prohibited under state law, and it is illegal to release a live Asian swamp eel into state waterways.

LDWF is investigating how the eels were released into Bayou St. John.

Over the years, similar Asian swamp eel species have been found in New Jersey, Hawaii, Georgia and Florida.

Asian swamp eels are different from native eels by the lack of any fin structures. It is also different from aquatic species, such as sirens or amphibians, as they lack tiny legs.