NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

April 16, 1998

CONTACT: Rich Cailteux (850) 627-9674

TALQUIN OFFERS BANK-FISHING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH MAY 26

If you have never fished Lake Talquin near Tallahassee because you don't have a boat, now is your chance. With the water level six feet below normal due to a drawdown, there are several places around the lake that offer good bank-fishing opportunities.

Fisheries biologist Rich Cailteux, of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), said areas around Coe's Landing and Williams Landing in Leon County and High Bluff Road in Gadsden County offer good places to catch fish from the bank because of their proximity to the river channel.

Biologists report many anglers catching catfish, bluegill and shellcrackers. The best technique is to fish with worms on the bottom or using a cane pole with a float.

"This is a good opportunity for people who couldn't fish the lake under normal circumstances. Any other time you would need a boat to fish because of the shortage of bank access," Cailteux said. "It is also a good chance for families to take their children fishing because these areas provide easy access for them to fish."

These areas are accessible until May 26 when the FWC will refill the lake to its normal level.