NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

March 1, 2000

CONTACT: Bob DeMauro (850) 957-6175

BLACKWATER FISHERIES CENTER KIDS FISHING DAYS APRIL 1 AND 8

For the ninth year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will open several of its ponds at Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center at Holt to fishing by area youngsters age 13 and under. This year's fishing days will be held April 1 and 8. The April 1 event is being held in conjunction with Free Fishing Weekend in Florida.

Biologist Bob DeMauro said pre-registration is required and parents may begin calling the Blackwater office at 957-6175 beginning March 20 at 8 a.m. He said the event has filled up quickly in past years and registration should be done as soon as possible. Children registered for the event will be allowed to fish from either 7 - 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. to noon each day and will be limited to the two-hour slots to accommodate as many young anglers as possible.

"If everyone that's signed up comes out, we anticipate hosting about 800 kids," DeMauro said.

Each child must be accompanied by an adult, and no fishing license or charge is required. Adults are not allowed to fish but may provide assistance to those children under their supervision. The ponds have been stocked with striped bass hybrids and channel catfish. Each child will be allowed to keep six fish, and should bring an ice chest to preserve their catch. As a safety precaution, no one will be allowed to fish with multiple hooks, such as treble hooks. Only natural baits will be allowed and should be brought by the participants. In the past the best baits to use have been wigglers and shrimp. The Blackwater Fisheries Center is located within Blackwater River State Forest near Holt, and is accessible by Highway 90 from either Holt or Harold via Bryant Bridge Road. The Center is approximately 22 miles east of Milton and 15 miles west of Crestview. (MAP)