NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

October 26, 1998

CONTACT: Sam McKinney (352) 732-1225

PUBLIC MEETING: TEMPORARY FISHING REGULATIONS BEING CONSIDERED FOR RODMAN RESERVOIR

Anyone who has an interest in the rules that regulate largemouth bass fishing on Rodman Reservoir should attend a public meeting on Friday, Oct. 30 at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Youth Conservation Camp off Highway 314 in the Ocala National Forest.

The open house style meeting will be held from 3 to 7 p.m., and will provide individuals an opportunity to comment on temporary regulations being considered by the FWC during the Department of Environmental Protection's 1998-99 drawdown of Rodman Reservoir.

The proposed rule would prohibit the possession of largemouth bass less than 24 inches long. The temporary regulation is proposed to be in effect from December 1, 1998 to April 1, 1999. Commission employees will be on hand to answer questions or to assist as needed. Forms will be provided for written comments.

"During the drawdown we want to be able to provide optimum recreational opportunities, while at the same time protecting the largemouth bass resource," said Ed Moyer, Director of the FWC's Division of Freshwater Fisheries. "These temporary changes will only affect largemouth bass. The regulations regarding other types of fishing will remain the same."