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Fishing Forecasts for 2010

Fish Busters' Bulletin

Monday, February 01, 2010

Media contact: Bob Wattendorf

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Forecasts

It is that time of year again. Freshwater anglers are taking advantage of the last of the winter crappie action and really looking forward to the spring spawn of bass and bream. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists have completed their analyses of the 2009 fishing data to come up with a list of top fishing sites for 2010.

Information, along with fishing tips, is available to improve your fishing success at MyFWC.com/Fishing (click on "fishing sites and forecasts").

January's cold snap set several records and caused significant fish kills in freshwater areas. Fortunately for the resource and most users, those kills were primarily limited to nonnative fishes such as tilapia and suckermouth catfish. Thus, with the possible exception of peacock bass in Southeast Florida, the cold snap should not have harmed the overall freshwater fishing prognosis for 2010.

In Florida, the Fishing Capital of the World, with more than 7,700 named lakes and 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals, you're never far from an opportunity to relax and wet a line. Your recreational time spent on the water communing with nature and relaxing is time well used. Studies have shown that both children and adults who take time out to enjoy active nature-based recreation lead healthier, happier and smarter lives (www.GetOutdoorsFlorida.org).

Remember, if you catch a big fish, it may be eligible for recognition in the "Big Catch" Angler Recognition Program. The FWC recognizes 33 different species of freshwater sportfish in the program, and has extra incentives for catching a variety of species. If you submit a photo with the application, you may also see yourself published in the Fish Busters' Bulletin one day. Check out a copy of the Florida Fishing Regulations (2009-2010) - Freshwater Edition for a copy of a "Big Catch" application or go online to MyFWC.com/Fishing to learn all the details.

Also, be on the lookout for the 5-Year Freshwater Fishing License bonus program. The first 3,000 anglers to purchase a 5-year or lifetime license after March 1 automatically receive a free bonus package in the mail. Not only do we have you covered "hook, line and sinker," but we also have sample lures, other bonus gifts, coupons (including a free spincast reel worth more than $100 with purchase of a bait casting reel) and literature.  The value of the freebies and coupons is more than enough to offset the cost of your 5-year license.  Plus, you don't have to worry about renewing your license or any price increases for the next five years.