The Morning Catch - Blue Water's Newsletter

Streamlined Rule Changes to Take Effect on Apr. 1 2022 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide Available Soon New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the adoption of new freshwater fishing regulations that will take effect on April 1, 2022. Following a public comment period on the draft proposals earlier this year, the new regulations reflect the input received and the support of the angling community in DEC's efforts to make fishing New York's waters less complicated and easier to understand. "The new regulations adopted today coupled with the reformatted Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide reflect DEC's...

Governor Kathy Hochul today encouraged New Yorkers to take advantage of the State's first Free Fishing Weekend of 2022, on February 19 and 20, when freshwater anglers are permitted to fish for free without a license. "New York State is home to many great fishing spots, and I encourage both new and experienced anglers alike to take advantage of the annual February Free Fishing Day, which gives everyone the chance to appreciate the great outdoors at no cost and introduce family and friends to a new hobby," Governor Hochul said. "Getting outside to experience New York's natural beauty is a perfect way to have fun and...

If you’ve walked along Pismo State Beach at low tide recently, you’ve probably had to watch your step in some areas. Thousands of iconic Pismo clams have been surfacing on the sands over the past few months — stumping scientists and tripping up tourists. “While we aren’t sure exactly what is causing this unusual behavior — or what has caused the recent population increase — we are exploring a few different explanations,” said Ben Ruttenberg, an associate professor and director of Cal Poly’s Center for Coastal Marine Sciences. The clams began surfacing in large numbers on the beach in southern...

The price of seafood is soaring, prompting some restaurants to pull items like scallops and crab off the menu completely, Bloomberg reports.Driving the news: A confluence of factors are causing the price spikes, including congested ports, lack of fishers and truck drivers, coupled with a high demand for seafood at restaurants, per Bloomberg. Read More...

A fisherman in Maine reeled in an ultra-rare “cotton candy lobster” this weekend and is now trying to find the crustacean a forever home.

Bill Coppersmith, who has been a fisherman for more than 40 years, hauled in the rare find this weekend in Maine’s Casco Bay and named the crustacean after his granddaughter, Haddie.

WMUR reported that the odds of catching a “cotton candy lobster” are more than 1 in 100 million.