Fishery biologists are in the process of restocking Medard Reservoir at Turkey Creek.

The public-access impoundment was drained to repair the dam in the fall of 2009, but it has been fixed and the water level is rising.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports a total of 477,000 juvenile sport fish will be stocked during the winter and spring. The fish will come from the FWC’s Largemouth Bass Research Center near Webster.

The FWC released 130,000 juvenile bluegills to start the restocking process last week. Another 170,000 bluegills and 77,000 shellcrackers will be added in the next few weeks. (more…)

Stock more fish! That is one of the most common suggestions from the angling public when it comes to ideas about how to improve recreational fishing. Oh, that it was that easy.

The Florida Bass Conservation Center (FBCC) is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) state-of-the-art freshwater hatchery in Sumter County. The FBCC recently hosted a Largemouth Bass Stocking Workshop to discuss past research and recent additions to the knowledge base that can help guide future stocking and research efforts. The FWC and university experts met to discuss how to integrate hatchery fish into plans to ensure sustainable quality bass fishing. (more…)

News Release

October 25, 2010
Media contact: Joy Hill, 352-258-3426;
Patricia Behnke, 850-251-2130

• Frequently Asked Questions

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will hold a public meeting to discuss the changes for hydrilla management on Lake Toho for the winter of 2010-2011. The meeting will be Friday, Nov. 5, from 6-8 p.m., at the Osceola County Commission Chambers in the Administrative Building at 1 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee.

Staff from both the FWC and the USFWS will present information on the upcoming hydrilla treatment plan to manage the nonnative plant. A preview of the evening’s public meeting will be offered in the same location from 3-4 p.m. for government officials interested in the topic.

“Lake Toho contains large amounts of hydrilla, which can cause navigation problems and limit access to boaters,” said Bill Caton, the FWC’s Invasive Plant Section leader. “This plant also provides an abundant food source and habitat used by a nonnative species of apple snail that lives in the lake.”

(more…)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has teamed up once again with the “Wounded Warrior Project” to recognize the service of our nation’s injured war veterans. The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is taking U.S. war veterans on fishing trips on Lake Okeechobee Monday and Tuesday.

FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto presented two war veterans with three-day fishing licenses donated by FWC staff and promotional packages containing items donated by the freshwater fishing industry.

“The FWC wishes to thank our service men and women for the contributions they have made to our freedom,” Barreto said. “By partnering with the WWP, we are helping these vets experience some of the best bass fishing in the world.”

The FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management (DFFM) provided the promotional packages, which include tackle samples, fishing publications and discount coupons. Additionally, the veterans received a free “Get Outdoors Florida!” t-shirt. “Get Outdoors Florida!” is an ongoing campaign highlighting the health and social benefits of fishing and other types of nature-based recreation.

Not only are the fishing trips fun, they’re also successful. In June, a pair of Iraqi war veterans, guided by a professional bass angler, caught more than 60 bass during their fishing expedition on Lake Okeechobee.

The trips are sponsored by SMI Cold Therapy of Butler, Pa., a manufacturer of cold-therapy products and services for post-operative patient care in hospitals and surgery centers, and Bassonline.com, Florida’s largest freshwater guide service and outfitter for bass fishing on Florida lakes, canals and rivers.

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From Staff Writer BASSonline – fishing@bassonline.com
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS