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I tend to avoid politically charged topics—emphasis here is on fishing—but when something affects my beloved Everglades, it gets my attention. The bad news first: Lowe’s is quietly trying to infringe upon the Glades UBD (Urban Development Boundary) to build a new store, and further south a group of developers wants to use protected land for a commercial park and thousands of new homes. Sadly, the greed of corrupt county commissioners makes both a distinct possibility. Some good news? Looks like the Everglades was just awarded $100 million in state allocation fees after an 11th hour change of heart. Here’s some additional info on the funding efforts behind Everglades restoration.

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The “rough cut” of a new short film titled “Equilibrium” made its way to my mailbox yesterday. It’s a noble effort that proves this group of anglers and ecologists has their heart in the right place, doing their best to stave off or (ideally) nix a proposed mine site that could jeopardize the long-term health of Alaska’s legendary Bristol Bay area. The film features moving footage of wild rivers, surly bears, sweeping wilderness shots and — yes — big fish, including massive rainbows catching air and missile-shaped pike unloading on topwater flies. If you fly fish, it will get your blood pumping while sparking outrage against anyone or anything that would compromise such an amazing resource — which is, naturally, what Equilibrium’s designed to do. Bristol Bay is a long way from SW Florida, but we should all empathize with anglers who are fighting to preserve a natural treasure. Consider investing a few bucks (or more) into this worthy cause. Visit the Castaway Films site for a preview, or to purchase your own copy. For more details on the mine and its implications, visit Felt Soul Media, a wonderfully irreverent blog that also features some outstanding photography.

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A reminder: On July 21, 2007, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission adopted new rules related to snook. The entire state is now subject to a one-fish daily bag limit per person. Florida’s Gulf Coast, Everglades National Park, and Monroe County waters now have a slot limit of 28-33 inches (pinched-tail) in total length. Florida’s Atlantic coast has a one-inch tighter slot of 28-32 inches. The period when you can keep snook has also changed. Snook season will close on Dec. 1 in the Gulf, Everglades, and Monroe County and reopen March 1. The months of May, June, July and August remain closed. On the Atlantic side, the season closes on December 15 and reopens February 1. East Coast anglers get an extra month in which to keep snook. May remains open and June, July, and August are closed. A related rule change: boaters can now carry more than one cast net on board while fishing for snook. Before this change, anglers who had a snook in their possession and more than one net on board were subject to a fine.

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