FISHING

Law to protect grouper series could help and hurt

A federal law has been approved to protect a variety of grouper species, but some say it will hurt Keys commercial fishing. 1246775433

Fishing report

BEST BET Captain Dean Panos of Double D Charters out of Keystone Marina has been fishing out of Bimini. In addition to catching a lot of yellowfin tunas, a large blue marlin ate a 20-pound tuna off one of his lines. Captain Jimbo Thomas on the Thomas Flyer out of Bayside Marina reported good kingfish action off of Government Cut in 120 feet of water, plus a lot of bonito and a few sailfish. Dolphins have been scarce.

Outdoors events

Dove hunters may sign up for special opportunity hunts at five premium dove fields through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Dove Club program. Hunters may obtain worksheets at MyFWC.com/hunting under ''limited entry hunts,'' then submit their applications online at wildlifelicense.com or at any county tax collector's office or authorized license agent. Permits will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis through Sept. 9.

Old drug-smuggling ship now diving `Miracle'

The first thing you notice as you dive down to South Florida's newest artificial reef is the huge bronze angel statue on the deck of the 167-foot long ship.

Rafting trip not for faint of heart

CLAYTON, Ga. -- A popular T-shirt sold in local souvenir shops pokes fun at the storied and scenic Chattooga River that separates northeast Georgia from South Carolina.

SHARK FISHING

Tighter management measures for sharks sought

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is being urged to have tighter management rules to ensure a healthy shark population.

This would be a very bad weekend to get drunk on the water in South...

This would be a very bad weekend to get drunk on the water in South Florida. The U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will launch Operation: Dry Water to take intoxicated boaters off the water Friday through Sunday. Penalties for boating under the influence can include fines, jail and loss of boating and even driving privileges. More information: www.operationdrywater.org.

Outdoor pursuits abound in Northeast Georgia

CLAYTON, Ga. -- When an outdoors writer goes on vacation, you might think he or she would like to take a break from fishing, hunting, paddling, camping or hiking. Maybe go to a spa, visit an art museum or take in a live musical.

FISHING REPORT

BEST BET Captain Chris Johnson on the charter boat SeaSquared out of the 7 Mile Marina in Marathon reported great catches of yellowtail and mangrove snappers, almoco jacks and cero mackerel on the reefs and patches, plus mutton snapper up to 12 pounds in 160 feet of water. Offshore from 600 feet out to 35 miles, dolphins were thick under birds.

INNOVATIVE IDEAS

Ways to make kayaking, snook fishing much easier for all

Novel solutions are available to help kayakers transport their craft and anglers gain an edge while fishing for snook.

Outdoors notebook

A new executive director, changes in grouper-snapper regulations and sweeping measures to protect freshwater turtles were highlights of last week's Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting in Crystal River.

Dolphin fish abound off Andros Island

CONGO TOWN, Andros Island, Bahamas -- A great day of summertime dolphin fishing off Miami-Dade and Broward likely can't touch an average day of summertime dolphin fishing off Andros Island in the Bahamas. ''It was silly,'' marveled Leah Genoun, who with husband Mike publishes Destination Fish magazine. ``When you can literally pick which fish you want to pitch to.''

Outdoors notebook

Register for the Gold Cup Invitational Tarpon Tournament, which runs through Friday in Islamorada. The field is limited to 25 anglers using fly tackle only. Entry fee is $1,250 per angler. Call 305-664-2444 or e-mail csasun@aol.com.

FISHING REPORT

South Florida fishing report

Captain Bob LeMay has been splitting his time fishing out of Flamingo and Everglades City and has had great success on spawning snook to 15 pounds on fly and spin tackle for catch and release.

FISHING

Dolphins' Parcells is not only tuna in town

Tuna is for the taking, with the late afternoon the best time to try and catch these tasty treats.

Outdoors notebook

Effective Aug. 1, Florida resident saltwater anglers who fish from shore or pier will need to buy a fishing license, unless they already hold one. The Florida Legislature passed a bill removing the license exemption for land-based anglers -- unless they are children, senior citizens, disabled, active-duty military personnel home on leave, or fishing from a licensed pier.

Spiny lionfish are thorn to ecosystem

BIMINI, Bahamas -- The 47 small corpses were laid out neatly on the deck of the boat docked at Bimini Bay Marina as passersby pointed, gasped and snapped photos with their cellphone cameras.

South Florida fishing report

Captain Skip Bradeen of the charter boat Blue Chips Too out of Whale Harbor Marina reported some of the best dolphin fishing in recent history.

Upcoming outdoors events

Sign up for the Mercury/SeaVee Pompano Beach Saltwater Slam from Thursday-Saturday out of Hillsboro Inlet. A guaranteed $7,500 prize will be paid to the top boat. Eligible species are dolphin, blackfin tuna, wahoo, kingfish and cobia. Entry fee is $425. For more information, call 954-725-4010 or visit bluewatermove ments.com.