Daily Highlights from the staff at BD

A new study shows that Americans bought more boats in 2011, and the number of people who went boating also increased.

The halibut bycatch caused by Alaskan trawlers totals more than the entire sportfishing catch. You can help reduce this waste by signing a petition. Please help and add your signature today.

Ellen Peel, President of The Billfish Foundation, was recently appointed the U.S. Commissioner to ICCAT, which manages Atlantic tuna and migratory fish.

Florida Senators Nelson and Rubio sign a letter to the Department of the Interior urging a new plan to keep access to Biscayne Bay National Park open to boaters and anglers. The current plan aims to close access to 20 percent.

The IGFA is developing a new app with Columbia University that will help anglers identify their catch. To make the app a success, they're asking anglers to help out and send in some photos of several game fish.

The fishing community has lost a great angler, icon, and friend. We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Jose Wejebe, host of the immensely popular saltwater fishing and fly fishing television show Spanish Fly.

Capt. Mark Wisch just released the second edition of his popular In the Gray book. The book focuses on helping readers catch more fish around Catalina Island. It has 500 GPS locations in it!

The IGFA just announced the 2012 Hall of Fame inductees, including Capt. Al Anderson, Mike Leech, Darrell Lowrance, Monty Padilla and Capt. Bill Poole.

Seeker Fishing Rods has several new rods available that offer great quality at an affordable price.

Australian lure manufacturer and big-game angler Neil Patrick wins the prestigious Gill Keech Heavy Tackle Award from the IGFA.