AUSTIN, Texas — For many a veteran angler, the pinnacle of a fishing career comes with the explosion of chromed muscle that signals his first tarpon hook-up. That experience was once common on the Texas Gulf coast; so common, in fact, that through the 1950s, tarpon tournaments were commonplace and presidents and potentates made the journey to the third coast to catch a “silver king.”

The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, in cooperation with the National Shooting Sports Foundation, held the first Congressional Breakfast Briefing of the 111th Congress today.

Former Cabela's senior executive Michael Callahan has been appointed leader and facilitator of Task Force 20/20. Callahan brings 34 years of experience to the role, most recently serving as a consultant for Cabela's and as the company's senior vice president of business development and international operations before that.

Ducks Unlimited was awarded a North American Wetlands Conservation grant to enhance over 5,728 acres of wetland habitat in Chambers and Jefferson counties along the Texas coast. Partners contributed more than $2 million to match the $1 million received from the federal grant. The project will restore high priority wintering habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds within the Chenier Plain of Texas.

Safariland, a BAE Systems line of business, introduced today its new optics product line to the law enforcement and recreational shooting industries. Featuring the Rapid Reticle™ aiming system, with varying models designed for specific purposes, the new line of Safariland optics meets the specific shooting needs of law enforcement, tactical officers, recreational shooters and hunters.

The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) and Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the country's second largest selling Bourbon brand, have announced a two-year partnership that positions Evan Williams as the official bourbon of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic. As part of this partnership, Evan Williams' branded concessions area will be one of the highlights of the expo area. The TTBC will be held October 16 - 18 at Lake Conroe in Montgomery, Texas.

Smith & Wesson Corp., announced that the company is currently accepting applications for shooters interested in joining Team Smith & Wesson for the 2009-2010 competitive season. Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2009, and recruitment is open to all shooters regardless of discipline and classification.