Largemouth bass management subject of Oct. 22 meeting

For immediate release: October 3, 2014
Media contact: Greg Workman, 352-732-1225

Largemouth bass management subject of Oct. 22 meeting

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has proposed a new statewide largemouth bass management tool which, if approved, would become effective as early as July 1, 2016. The FWC wants to hear at an upcoming meeting what stakeholders think.
The management change would allow the daily harvest of five bass less than 16 inches total length, or four bass less than 16 inches and one that can be 16 inches long or longer.

Several regional lakes, including Lake Jackson, Stick Marsh and Kenansville Lake, are all catch-and-release water bodies when it comes to largemouth bass. The FWC is considering the pros and cons of making all regional water bodies follow the new proposed statewide largemouth bass regulation if it is approved. Its biologists will use biological and sociological data to help determine the best approach.

Stakeholder opinions are an important component in determining resource management. Therefore, the FWC is hosting a public meeting to allow stakeholders the opportunity to share their opinions on the proposed shift in largemouth bass management on Stick Marsh; Kenansville, Blue and Cypress lakes; and Garcia, Three Forks and Fellsmere reservoirs.
The meeting will be held at the Palm Bay Bass Pro Shops (also known as the Stick Marsh Outpost), 750 Bass Pro Drive NE, Palm Bay, on Oct. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m.

“FWC biologists will make a brief presentation explaining the new proposed statewide bass regulation followed by another brief presentation on the Stick Marsh fishery,” said Marty Hale, regional fisheries administrator for the Northeast Region. “I cannot overemphasize how important it is for all stakeholders to attend the meeting and share their opinions with us. This is the time and place for stakeholders to take an active role in helping biologists shape future largemouth bass management at area lakes.”

For more information regarding this meeting and the proposal, please contact the Northeast Region office at 352-732-1225 or visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and select “Speak out on bass rules” under the “Freshwater fishing” picture.