NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

March 29, 1999

CONTACT: Jim Sweatman (407) 317-7329 or Joy M. Hill (352) 732-1225

BIG CATCH COMING SOON

A 3,000-gallon aquarium filled with Central Florida largemouth bass will be one of the highlights of this year's Annual Fish Orlando! Big Catch Event. Catch the action at Barnett Park on Saturday, April 10 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., and see what all the excitement is about.

Fishing, fishing and more fishing. That's what the Big Catch is all about. Its goal is to give Orlando-area adults and children a chance to see just how easy and fun this age-old hobby can be through a day chock full of free fishing activities, prizes, and a chance to talk to the experts about where and how to fish in lakes in and around Orlando. It is specially designed for beginning through advanced anglers who want to learn some basic fishing skills, hone existing ones or learn something brand new.

The event is being held in Orange County at Barnett Park, right next door to the Central Florida Fairgrounds. It is being co-hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Orange County Parks and Recreation Department. New this year is Glen Lau, star of TNN's "Quest For Adventure" television show, and his giant aquarium displaying largemouth bass caught right here in Central Florida. Also on hand will be Sports Afield magazine's Homer Circle, world-renowned fishing expert. Anglers can learn from these and other experts what to do to catch largemouth bass, crappie, bream, hybrid striped bass and catfish in the Greater Orlando area.

There will be classes on fly-fishing and a fishing class designed especially for women. Former Miami Dolphins Mark Clayton and Steve Braggs will be mingling with the crowd, and anglers can experience what it's like to catch a lunker largemouth bass with the help of a computerized fishing simulator, sponsored by Shimano and Ranger Boats. Kids can actually fish in a pond stocked especially for the event with 3,000 catfish, after they've learned a few basics in the fishing and aquatic biology class designed just for them. Bait and tackle will be provided.

Fishing is only part of the fun at the Big Catch. You'll also get to learn a few safe boating tips and then get to canoe and kayak right on Barnett's Frog Pond. There will also be casting instruction, bass and panfishing techniques, a free Fish Orlando! fishing map, a live band, games by Orange County Parks and Recreation, fishing and outdoor-related vendors, and balloons and face painting for kids by the Fishin 'Ology Clowns.

Instructors include Tommy Young and John Evertsen (Where and How to Fish for Largemouth Bass in the Orlando Area); Dave Olsen (Introduction to Fly Fishing); Don Teddy (Where and How to Fish for Panfish in the Orlando Area); and Linda Hawkins and Patti Whipple (Introduction to Fishing for Ladies).

For more information on Fish Orlando! The Big Catch at Barnett Park, call the FWC at (407) 317-7329 or (352) 732-1225 or Barnett Park at (407) 836-6248.