NEW BERLIN, Wis. - Following the tabulation of more than 10,000 votes - a record participation level - Sportsman Channel has announced the finalists for each category of the 2009 Sportsman Choice Awards.

By casting their votes over the last month, Sportsman Channel viewers have narrowed the field to five finalists in the following categories: Best Hunt Show, Best Shoot Show, Best Fish Show, Best Combination (hunting and fishing) Show and Best Show Host(s).

"We are thrilled with the level of viewer participation in the voting process, and we couldn't be happier with this strong line-up of finalists for our 2009 awards" said Sportsman president, Willy Burkhardt. "We encourage everyone to cast their vote in the final round to determine the ultimate winners."

Today marks the beginning of a fresh new round of voting, so everyone is encouraged to log on to www.votesportsman.com to cast their ballot, regardless of whether they voted in the first round or not. Winners in all categories will be based exclusively on the opinions and the votes of viewers. Voting ends December 14 with finalists announced thereafter.

The finalists for the 2009 Sportsman Choice Awards are as follows.

Best Hunt Show: Arrow Affliction, Heartland Bowhunter, Predator Quest, Shoot Straight with Chad Schearer, Wired Outdoors

Best Shoot Show: American Rifleman TV Classics, Guns & Ammo TV, Personal Defense TV, Tactical Arms, Tactical Impact

Best Fish Show: Addictive Fishing, Fly Fisherman, Fly Rod Chronicles with Curtis Fleming, Ice Men, In-Fisherman TV

Best Combo Show: Alan Warren Outdoors, Backstage & Backroads with Daniel Lee Martin, G3 Sportsman, HuntFishCook, Midwest Outdoors

Best Show Host(s): Alan Warren with Alan Warren Outdoors, Chris Brackett with Arrow Affliction, Fred Eichler with Predator Nation, Keith Warren with Best of Keith Warren's Hunting Adventures, Les Johnson with Predator Quest

In addition to these five categories, Sportsman Channel has added four new award categories designed to celebrate the exciting video imagery shown on the channel every day: Best Hunt Clip, Best Shoot Clip Best Fish Clip, and Best New Series.

The nominated clips were required to be one continuous sequence from a single episode that aired in 2009. The nominees for Best Clips are:

Best Hunt Clip: Family Traditions with Haley Heath, Hunting with the Pros, Own The Zone TV, RNT-TV, Whitetail Properties

Best Shoot Clip: Africa with Craig Boddington & Ivan Carter, Handguns, Personal Defense, Tactical Arms, Tactical Impact

Best Fish Clip: Breaking the Surface, Fishing 411 with Mark Romanack, Fly Rod Chronicles with Curtis Fleming, Hardcore Pursuits, In-Fisherman Ice Fishing Guide

The Best New Series category eligibility will be based upon shows that have never aired on Sportsman Channel prior to 2009.

The winners in all Sportsman Choice Award categories will be crowned in January during the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas.

SPORTSMAN CHANNEL: Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel is the only television and digital company fully devoted to the more than 82 million sportsmen in the United States, delivering entertaining and educational programming focused exclusively on hunting, shooting and fishing activities. Acquired by InterMedia Outdoors Holdings in 2006, Sportsman Channel is now a part of the nation's largest multimedia company targeted exclusively to serving the information and entertainment needs of outdoors enthusiasts. For more information, visit www.thesportsmanchannel.com.

Media Contact
Michelle Scheuermann, Director of Communications, Sportsman Channel (262) 432-9100 ex 111; mscheuermann@thesportsmanchannel.com

Jackson, Wis. - "Alongside the Bro Series, Ice Hunter is the most comprehensive series of ice rod actions ever developed," states Frabill Marketing V.P., Jeff Kolodzinski. "These are technique focused rod and reel combos; each precision application designed to target individual species. To do this, we collaborated with top guides and anglers who ice fish world renowned waters.

"In designing these combos, we didn't ask a walleye expert for input on a panfish combo, or vice versa," states Kolodzinski. "To assemble a premium bluegill combo, for example, we called on Walt and Poppie Mattan, famed creators of the Rat Finkee jig. Their combined experience with big 'gills is legendary. And we think the 26-inch Quick Tip Bluegill combo hits the sweet spot for fishing micro ice plastics."

Along these same lines, there's the 22-inch Quick-Tip Crappie, created by Scott Glorvigen, a professional angler renowned for his prowess with trophy black crappies. The rod's Quick-Tip is a perfect match for microlight jigs and finicky-biting panfish.

Then there's the 24-inch Finesse Perch rod, drafted by Hall of Famer Tom Neustrom, who tracks perch schools on Minnesota's famed lakes Leech and Winnibigoshish. Similarly, for a Perch/Finesse Walleye stick, Devils Lake, North Dakota guide Jason Feldner was a logical choice. And crafting Ice Hunter's walleye/pike combos-26-inch medium Deep Water Walleye and 32-inch medium-heavy Trophy Walleye/Pike Jigging models-were veteran guides Dale Stroschein and Paul Nelson, respectively.

On the predator front, Great Lakes guide Captain Eric Haataja created a 38-inch Trout/Heavy Jigging combo. This choice rod sports a custom glass Quick-Tip that absorbs the shock of powerful predators. "This is the finest combo out there. It meets the needs of anglers from Rocky Mountain reservoirs to the Great Lakes," says Haataja.

Besides Haataja's Trout combo, which features glass, each of the other six rods are founded on solid graphite blanks adorned with stainless steel ice guides to prevent freezing. For handles, Frabill incorporated high-grade tapered custom cork, which provides warmth, ergonomic comfort and precision control over any presentation.

Unlike many companies that scrimp on the reel, Frabill took its characteristic high road, incorporating first-rate features that perform optimally in extreme cold. Infinite anti-reverse, multi-disc, front load drag, and three plus one ball-bearings ensure liquid smooth operation. Each reel also includes a machined-aluminum spool, and is injected with special Sub-Zero lubricant for seamless operation in the coldest temperatures. This winter, Ice Hunter offers anglers everywhere the rare privilege of mingling with ice fishing's dream team.

ABOUT FRABILL
Frabill, Inc. (Jackson, Wis.) is celebrating 71 years of building the most trusted gear in the fishing industry. Frabill's ice fishing product mix consists of portable ice fishing shelters, rod and reel combos, tip-ups, bait containers, portable aeration and other related accessories. Open water products include landing nets, portable aeration, bait containers, bait care, bait traps and seines, and other accessories. Visit www.frabill.com.

OLYMPIA - The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will accept final public input on new state sportfishing rules proposed for 2010-12 during its Dec. 4-5 meeting in Olympia. The sportfishing rules hearing is scheduled to begin at noon on Saturday, Dec. 5.
The December meeting offers the last opportunity for public comment on more than 100 rule-change proposals that would affect a variety of state freshwater and saltwater sport fisheries, starting next year. The proposed changes are available on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/rule_proposals/
The deadline for accepting written comments on the proposals is Dec. 1. The public may also submit written testimony during the commission meeting.
Final commission action on the rules is scheduled for the Feb. 4-6 meeting in Olympia. Once adopted, the rules will be in effect for two years beginning May 1, 2010.
The commission, which sets policy for WDFW, will meet both days at 8:30 a.m. in Room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E., Olympia.
In addition, commissioners will be briefed by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff and take public comment on a proposal to offer hunters five additional multi-species raffle permits.
In other business, the commission is scheduled to take action on proposed land transactions in Skagit and Yakima counties, and adopt an amendment establishing the boundary on the Johnson/DeBay Slough Game Reserve.
The commission will also receive staff briefings and updates on:
• The history and current status of the Columbia River spring chinook fishery.
• The status of the Puget Sound groundfish management plan.
• The process for developing bag limit regulations for the 2011-13 recreational albacore tuna fishery.
• The status of the white-tailed deer management plan.
• Proposed regulations for the commercial sardine fishery.
• Marine Protected Area Work Group activities.
• The implementation of mineral prospecting rules passed in 2008.
• The history and current activities of the Commission's Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
• Collaborative efforts to clean up the WDFW-managed access site at American Lake in Pierce County.
During a public conference call held Nov. 20, the commission also adopted its 2010 meeting calendar. Eight public meetings and additional conference calls are scheduled for next year.
More information on the commission's meeting calendar and Dec. 4-5 agenda is available on the commission's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/

Jackson, WI - It doesn't take much time on the ice to realize that tip-up fishing lies at the center of a lot angler's universes. These flag-bearing "fish traps" are everywhere; that's because they remain the most efficient tool available for tracking down and snaring a nice batch of pike, walleyes, trout or even panfish. In a nutshell, if you're an ice angler, you likely own a collection of these handy devices. Problem is, finding all the items you need to get rigged up right isn't an easy task.

In this spirit, Frabill - bonafide leaders in tip-up design - recently unveiled "Ice Center," a complete line of entirely new products tailored to enhance the tip-up fishing experience. It's more than a quality series of ice fishing products, though, Ice Center is an ingenious retail concept that makes shopping for ice tackle a simple pleasure.

"Anglers will immediately notice Ice Center when they walk into their favorite tackle store this fall," says Frabill Marketing V.P., Jeff Kolodzinski. "It makes a pretty bold statement. Best thing about Ice Center is that it centralizes all these vital pieces of ice tackle into a single display. No more wandering up and down the aisles to find those clip-on depthfinders, leader rigs or a set of mouth spreaders. It's all in the Ice Center, and then some."

"Tip-up fishing is a system," says professional ice guide and Frabill pro, Captain Pat Kalmerton. "It deserves its own section in tackle stores-a place where the tip-up guy can go and get what he needs. Ice Center features some pretty slick stuff, too-high quality VMC Hooks and pre-tied Lure and Bait rigs made with premium Suffix fluorocarbon. If tip-up fishermen need it, it's in the Ice Center."

Frabill's new Leader Rigs (2 per pack) feature an 18-inch section of Suffix fluorocarbon in 6-, 8-, and 10-pound test. The rigs feature a VMC Cone Cut Treble on the business end. A variation, the Frabill Lure Rig, sports a tiny spinner blade above the hook, which make them a legal offering in states like Minnesota. For the enterprising angler, Ice Center also includes separate VMC Trebles and Octopus bait hooks, Barrel Swivels, Split Shot, line markers, clip-on depthfinders, and spools of 30-pound test Dacron tip-up line.

Tip-up fishing calls for the right set of tools, which Ice Center has in abundance. Frabill's hot new LineSaber-a dual line cutter and glow lure charger - as well as Fishermen's Pliers, Curved Forceps, Mouth Spreader and Combo Tool Kits are all at your fingertips.

"Frabill is the clear-cut leader in tip-up products and accessories," says Kalmerton. "Their Pro-Thermal tip-ups, as well as their Classic Series, and sweet accessories like the new Lil' Shiner Tip-Up Light prove it. I love that I'll now be able to get everything I need for a day on the ice in one convenient spot. That's time I used to waste when I could have been fishing!"

ABOUT FRABILL
Frabill, Inc. (Jackson, Wis.) is celebrating 71 years of building the most trusted gear in the fishing industry. Frabill's ice fishing product mix consists of portable ice fishing shelters, rod and reel combos, tip-ups, bait containers, portable aeration and other related accessories. Open water products include landing nets, portable aeration, bait containers, bait care, bait traps and seines, and other accessories. Visit www.frabill.com.

FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS-- Just in time for Christmas, Lurenet.com is offering a three-pack of popular tournament-winning lures for less than half price. And to make this offer even sweeter, you have the satisfaction of knowing that $1 from every sale goes to support Future Fisherman Foundation youth angling programs like Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs and Physh Ed.

Lures featured in this package are among the hottest in the country right now: the Bone/Chartreuse-colored XCalibur Zell Pop Chad Griffin used to win the 2009 Bass Elite event on Lake Oneida; the ½-ounce Booyah A-Jig in Ozark Craw color Alton Jones used to win the 2008 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell; and the Bomber 4A crankbait in Foxy Shad Terry Butcher used to win the 2008 Bassmaster Open Southern Division on Lake Texoma.

Buyers get all three of these dynamite lures for just $9.99 plus shipping. The Zell Pop alone has a retail price of more than $10. In fact, if the lures were purchased separately, the cost would be almost $20.

"We believe in the Future Fisherman Foundation and its programs, and felt that as a major company, we should help ensure our youth are exposed to the positives of fishing," said Lawrence Taylor, public relations manager for PRADCO Outdoor Brands Fishing. "We wanted to put together a great package of lures people are buying anyway and give them an offer they couldn't refuse. I think we did that with this three-pack."

"Since its inception in 1986, the Future Fisherman Foundation has provided fishing education programs for more than 1 million children nationwide," said F3 executive director Keith Sutton. "This wouldn't be possible, however, without the generous support of companies like Lurenet.com and the customers who buy their products. The three-pack of tournament-winning lures PRADCO developed is a win-win deal for everyone. The consumer gets a great deal on some great bass lures, plus the satisfaction of knowing their purchase supports programs that lead to a life-long love of fishing in our children. We're proud to have Lurenet.com and PRADCO as partners."

For more information or to order a Tournament-Winning 3-Pack, go to www.lurenet.com and click on "The Angler's Christmas Wish List."

Established in 1986, the Future Fisherman Foundation unites the sportfishing industry and a nationwide network of state outdoor educators, national conservation groups and youth organizations dedicated to introducing America's youth to angling and the outdoors. These efforts help people of all ages have safe and enjoyable fishing experiences that foster conservation ethics.

Media Contact
Keith Sutton, Executive Director, (703) 402-3623 or ksutton@futurefisherman.org.

An Alabama man faces a single misdemeanor charge after test results show the enormous grouper he and his fishing party landed off St. George Island was not a Warsaw grouper but a protected goliath grouper.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Investigator Eric Johnston said boat owner and operator Billy Daniels, Moody, Ala., has agreed to the terms of a "deferred prosecution agreement" with the state attorney's office in Apalachicola, which stipulates he pay a $150 fine and contribute $150 to Florida's Wildlife Alert Reward Program. The agreement spells out the misdemeanor charge will be dismissed after 90 days, assuming Daniels is not charged with other fish or wildlife law violations in Florida.

Daniels, DOB 05/24/58, his son, Shawn of Stanley, Kan., and two fishing buddies from Kansas, caught the gargantuan grouper they believed was a legal Warsaw grouper June 25, while fishing 15 miles southeast of St. George Island in 80 feet of water. Shawn Daniels actually caught the fish, which measured 82 inches long and 66 inches in girth and was estimated to weigh approximately 446 pounds.

They brought the grouper back to Bay City Lodge in Apalachicola, posed for photos and dressed the fish on the dock. After the photos and stories ran in numerous newspapers and showed up on Web sites and blogs, the calls started coming in to the FWC from those who thought the fish was a goliath grouper.

Johnston said Daniels turned over a sample of meat for DNA testing. He said Daniels has been nothing but cooperative during this period.

Daniels was cited rather than his son, who caught the fish, because as captain he is responsible for the fish being landed, Johnston said.

Goliath grouper numbers dropped precipitously in the 1970s and 1980s because of overfishing. The species has been protected in Florida waters since 1990.

Experienced offshore anglers say Warsaw grouper are usually found in 300-400 feet of water. Goliath grouper are typically found in more shallow coastal waters.

Media Contact
Eric Johnston, 850-265-3676

OLYMPIA - Starting April 1, anglers who fish for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and its tributaries will be required to purchase a new endorsement that will help maintain and improve fishing opportunities throughout the basin.
The Columbia River Recreational Salmon and Steelhead Pilot Program endorsement was authorized by Senate Bill 5421 during the 2009 Legislative session. The annual endorsement was one of several license fee changes approved by the Legislature earlier this year to help offset a $30 million cutback in state funding for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
The total charge of the endorsement, after transaction and dealer fees, will be $8.75. The endorsement and recreational fishing licenses for the licensing year that begins April 1, 2010 can be purchased beginning Dec. 1, 2009.
Funds generated from the endorsement fee will support the evaluation of selective fisheries in the Columbia River Basin, said John Long, WDFW’s statewide salmon and steelhead fisheries manager. Funds also will be used for other management activities, including fisheries enforcement, data collection and monitoring.
Selective fisheries allow anglers to catch and keep abundant hatchery fish, which are marked with a missing adipose fin, but require that they release wild fish.
"This program is designed to support current selective sport fisheries for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and its tributaries, and - to the maximum extent possible - expand those opportunities in the future," said Long.
The endorsement will be required, along with a fishing license, for anglers 15 years of age and older to fish for salmon and steelhead on the Columbia River and its tributaries when open to fishing for those species.
WDFW, working with the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Recreational Advisory Board, has proposed a list of rivers, lakes and other waters in the Columbia River basin where the endorsement will be required. That list, available on the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/crss_endorsement , is one of more than 100 proposed sportfishing rules for 2010-12.
The entire sportfishing rule-proposal package can be found on the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/rule_proposals .

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - After all the hype, the little quips on Facebook and Twitter, the buzz in the innards of the industry ... Yamaha is set to today formally introduce its new 4-stroke outboards to the news media.

Boating and fishing writers from across the country will be at the stately and historic Chattanoogan hotel in downtown. This evening they'll see the presentation about the new engines, meet 'n greet with Yamaha brass, probably mingle with some of the Yamaha pro anglers and probably have a beverage or two.

Yamaha promises this will be the biggest introduction in its history. Not only will new outboards be introduced throughout its lineup, but reports have filtered out about some new things coming in the Skeeter Boats lineup as well. Some of the Skeeter pros have gotten sneak peeks the last few weeks and while not being specific in their details, have related that performance and comfort have been upgraded.

Check back Tuesday for an update on the new items for 2010.

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has extended the public comment period on a new draft conservation plan for rockfish in Puget Sound and has scheduled three additional public meetings to discuss the plan with the public.

Under the new timeline, WDFW will accept comments on the draft conservation plan through Jan. 4, 2010. The draft conservation plan is the preferred alternative among several presented in a draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), which is required by the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

The DEIS and draft conservation plan are available on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/management/rockfish . Those who would like a copy of the plan on a compact disc or in print can call (360) 902-2844.

"We decided to extend the deadline and add additional public meetings after receiving numerous requests from people to allow for more time to review the plan and provide comments," said Craig Burley, WDFW fish division manager.

The draft conservation plan provides the framework for new strategies and actions in areas including fisheries, monitoring and education to conserve and protect rockfish populations in Puget Sound. Three species of rockfish in Puget Sound - bocaccio, yelloweye and canary rockfish - currently are being considered for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Comments can be submitted by email to SEPAdesk2@dfw.wa.gov , by FAX to (360) 902-2946, or by U.S. Mail to: WDFW SEPA Desk, 600 Capitol Way N. Olympia, WA 98501-1091.

In addition, people can submit comments, as well as discuss the draft plan with WDFW staff, during public meetings scheduled for:

* Nov. 30 - From 7-9 p.m. at the Bremerton City Hall, 345 6th Street, Bremerton .
* Dec. 2 - From 7-9 p.m. at the Seattle Aquarium , 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle.
* Dec. 3 - From 7-9 p.m. in Angst Hall at Skagit Valley College's Mount Vernon Campus, 2405 East College Way, Mount Vernon .

Media Contact
Greg Bargmann, (360) 902-2825

Jackson, Wis. - If there's one thing the fishing minds at Frabill know well, it's maintaining healthy, lively aquatic animals. Since 1938, the respected sportfishing company has offered anglers the finest products in fish and live bait care. A peek inside nearly any fishing boat in North America reveals a collection of Frabill fish-care products-aerated portable baitwells, nightcrawler cribs, cast nets, and more.

Who better, then, to develop an advanced catch-and-release landing net than the pioneers in fish care management? No one.

"The new Conservation Series nets make scooping big fish easy, but they also ensure a safe, healthy release," says Frabill V.P. of Marketing, Jeff Kolodzinski. "These fish-friendly nets feature soft, knotless micro mesh that pampers fish. They also feature a flat spacious bottom panel that supports the fish's entire body, cushioning and calming them like a cradle. Hooks don't tangle in the soft coated mesh; fish stay happy. Everyone wins."

To achieve the end result-the perfect catch-and-release landing net-Frabill incorporated a variety of significant design features. The patented Pow'R Lok Yoke System keeps the auto-locking handle perfectly aligned, sliding smoothly into the hoop for easy storage every time. And to extend the handle to its full length, a slick Twist and Grip mechanism telescopes the net's reach up to 96-inches (varies by model). Further, a matte black Meshgard Hoop prevents "net shy" fish from escaping, while its corrosion-proof composite construction protects the net for a lifetime of use, even in saltwater. Finally, the handle is made incredibly strong, thanks to extreme extrusion reinforcement. This very well could be the last landing net you ever have to buy.

"This net greatly eases the process of landing, unhooking and releasing fish," says professional angler and Frabill supporter, Marty Glorvigen. "I never have to worry about tangled hooks or fish rolling in the netting and hurting themselves. This net makes my life easier for fishing live-release tournaments."

"Catch and release is a big part of everything we do in designing nets," says Kolodzinski. "Getting your fish safely into the boat is vital, but we've long recognized the importance of preserving the health of the catch, should you decide to release it. I don't know if it's possible to build a better net than the Conservation Series."

Backed by Frabill's limited Lifetime Warranty, the Conservation Series is the ultimate landing net. Available in nine models and sizes, each net is clearly labeled with a handy species guide-from redfish to muskies, bass to walleyes-which removes all the guesswork from shopping for a landing net.

ABOUT FRABILL
Frabill, Inc. (Jackson, Wis.) is celebrating 71 years of building the most trusted gear in the fishing industry. Frabill's ice fishing product mix consists of portable ice fishing shelters, rod and reel combos, tip-ups, bait containers, portable aeration and other related accessories. Open water products include landing nets, portable aeration, bait containers, bait care, bait traps and seines, and other accessories. Visit www.frabill.com.