FWC prohibits taking largemouth bass from four fish management areas until Feb. 5
On Jan. 11, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued a temporary executive order prohibiting taking or having possession of largemouth bass (fishing being catch and release only) from the following waterbodies until Feb. 5: Crystal Springs Park in Duval County, Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park in Clay County, Huguenot Memorial Park in Duval County, and Bethesda Pond in Duval County.
The FWC stocks urban ponds at partner sites around Florida with largemouth bass as part of a community-based fishing program. The initiative provides greater fishing access to Florida’s world class bass fishery. The stocking program is a conservation initiative that creates and helps sustain quality fishing opportunities.
In order to comply with an FDA 21-day post stocking consumption prohibition on these hatchery reared, recently stocked largemouth bass, the FWC issued a temporary executive order (that became effective Jan. 11), prohibiting the possession and take of largemouth bass on these recently stocked fish management areas. The prohibition against take and possession allows for catch-and-release-only fishing and incorporates those 21 days.
If you have questions about the executive order, contact Ryan Hamm by email at Ryan.Hamm@MyFWC.com or by phone at 904-424-4838.