NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

June 9, 1998

CONTACT: Jerry Krummrich (904) 758-0525

NEW REGULATIONS FOR WATERTOWN LAKE FMA

According to new regulations by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, effective July 1 "idle speed only" will be required on Watertown Lake Fish Management Area from sunrise to 10:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. until sunset.

"The new rule is a compromise to allow fishermen the opportunity to experience a quality fishing trip without eliminating the high speed users of the lake," said Jerry Krummrich, regional fisheries’ administrator.

"Due to the small size of the lake (46 acres), the safety concerns of high speed testing and tuning of boats, and the use of small boats by fishermen, the FWC felt this was an adjustment that both sides could adapt to without causing a hardship for either," said Krummrich.

Other rule changes that become effective July 1 includes the statewide reduction of the daily bag limit of black crappie (speckled perch) to 25 per person/per day. The bag limit for panfish (bluegill, redear (shellcracker) warmouth, etc.) remains at 50 in combination per person/per day. The minimum size for largemouth bass on Montgomery Lake in Lake City will increase to 16" to coincide with statewide small lake regulations.

Watertown and Montgomery lakes are located near Lake City in Columbia County.

For additional information concerning rule changes consult the FWC’s 1998-99 Sport Fishing Regulations Summary available at county tax collectors’ offices or contact the FWC at (904) 758-0525. DAW/OIS