NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

February 9, 1998

CONTACT: Gray Bass (850) 957-4172

BLACKWATER FISHERIES CENTER KIDS FISHING DAYS MARCH 21 AND 28

For the seventh year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will open two of its ponds at Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center at Holt to fishing by area youngsters. This year children will be allowed to fish on March 21 and March 28.

Fisheries Biologist Gray Bass said pre-registration is required and parents may begin calling the Blackwater office March 2 to sign up their kids. He said kids 13 years of age and younger will be allowed to fish from either 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. to noon on each day. According to Bass, youngsters will be limited to these two-hour slots to accommodate as many young anglers as possible. He said the event has filled up quickly in past years and registration should be done as soon as possible.

Each child must be accompanied by an adult, and no fishing license or charge is required. The ponds have been stocked with striped bass hybrids and channel catfish. Each child will be allowed to keep ten fish, and should bring an ice chest to preserve their catch.

In the past the best baits have been wigglers and shrimp. Only natural baits will be allowed. As a safety precaution, no one will be allowed to fish with multiple hooks, such as treble hooks.

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.