It looks like about $200 a year per boater for each of the next five years will be all it takes to pay for the recently approved launch ramp at Diamond Valley Lake. Of course, that’s just an estimate.

Yesterday the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Water District approved putting the project out to bid as was announced on the MWD’s website. According to the release, construction could start by October and three lanes of the ramp would be extended 228 feet with completion next February.

Naturally, the impact on lake users is the big question. (more…)

The surprise exit of Skeet Reese from the Lamiglas fold has been interpreted in many different ways, but in fact, when one door closes, another one usually opens up.

And if the bass market is going to see an expanded introduction of rods in the $100 range from a new player (such as Wright & McGill this Wednesday at the ICAST show in Orlando), Lamiglas it turns out, is ready to meet that new challenge with a handsome line-up of its own. (more…)

Maybe manufacturers have figured out that not all the media was going to cross the country to Orlando to catch the latest product intros at ICAST. I know that because my in-box is jammed “new product” info and images and in those I’m seeing a curious trend. There seems to be some industry-wide fixation on camouflage patterns for fishing gear.

Let me make it clear. Except for some camo plastic worms, I don’t want camo. (more…)

I know it’s a private party in a sense, but for someone who’s immersed in the fishing deal, not making it to ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) next week in Orlando is a little disappointing.

Oh, I have my badge in hand, my media credential, but without the same connections with Western Outdoors Publications, I’m going to have to rely on my  “special agent” to pass the word around about KramerGoneFishing.com. I can’t tell you how gratifying it is to have such friends. (more…)

Free Fishing Day?

Sounds like a good idea. Introduce new people to fishing without the burden of purchasing even a one-day fishing license. Do it twice a year and the few wardens that are left on the payroll won’t have to ask anyone why they aren’t showing theirs.

Problem is, the Fourth of July weekend is not the time to try and introduce anyone to anything but a sunburn. Families, if they’re anywhere near water, are going to be doing familiar activities together; individuals aren’t going to split off and experiment with a new activity,  just to save a few bucks. (more…)

If the most recent catch, reported hours ago on the Latest Forum Topics as 22-5 from Lake Biwa in Japan (click here) is accepted by the International Game Fishing Association, it will present several points of discussion.

One, of course, you’ll need an interpreter to get the whole story, but you have to agree, it  most certainly will turn the coveted U.S. standard into a true world record, (more…)