NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

April 15, 1998

CONTACT: Lt. Joy M. Hill (352) 732-1225

FREE FISHING DERBY FOR SENIORS AGE 65 AND OLDER

Hey seniors, let's go fishing! It's time for the annual Lake Eaton Senior Fishing Derby at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Youth Conservation Camp in the Ocala National Forest. The derby is free for senior citizens ages 65 and older and will be held on Mon., May 11, from 9 a.m. until noon.

"All bait and tackle will be provided for the participants, as well as instruction for beginning anglers," said Lt. Joy M. Hill, FWC's Central Region public information coordinator. For safety reasons, only the cane poles provided at the derby will be allowed - please leave your rods and reels at home.

"Fishing is a wonderfully relaxing activity that enables you to enjoy beautiful scenery and maybe catch some supper while you're at it," said Hill. "Why not take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy a day in the great outdoors."

Pre-registration is requested since space is limited and participation will be on a first-come, first- served basis. Lunch will be provided to all participants courtesy of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department. To register for the derby call Diane Leaf at the Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 401-4916.

The Youth Conservation Camp (map) is located about seven miles north of SR40 off CR314 in the Ocala National Forest. The derby is sponsored by the FWC, the U.S. Forest Service, the Central Florida Dog Hunters Association, Marion County Sheriff's Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 145 and Ocala Recreation and Parks Department.