Bass Time!!

Fishing news from FWC.

Thursday, March 03, 2011
Media contact: Bob Wattendorf

The prespawn period for Florida largemouth bass can produce some of the most exciting fishing of the year, and 2011 has certainly started out exciting. Since bass tune into environmental triggers such as day length, lunar cycle and especially, water temperature, timing of the actual spawn can vary. Generally, once water temperatures rise above 58 degrees, the bedding process begins and may continue until temperatures are in the mid- to upper-70s.

A couple of days before full or new moons in late February, March or early April are often premier spawning times for Florida bass. Remember, triggering water temperatures vary significantly based on depth, sun exposure and currents.

Individual anglers, guides and tournaments statewide are reporting incredible catches.

FWC certifies Stuart woman's tilapia as state record

(Click on photo for larger image.) Pam Henry was fishing off her dock on the St. Lucie River in Martin County when she caught this state- and world-record blue tilapia. (Photo courtesy of Pam Henry)   News Release February 14, 2011 Contact: Gabriella B. Ferraro, 772-215-9459; Bob Wattendorf, 850-528-1060 It's official. Pamela Henry of Stuart broke state and world records when she reeled in a 9.6-pound blue tilapia last August. The fish measured 24 inches long. A taxidermist is mounting the record-breaking fish. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently certified the fish as the largest caught recreationally in state waters. Additionally, the International Game Fish Association issued the all-tackle world record for the species to Henry. Henry was fishing off her dock last August in the south fork of the St. Lucie River in Martin County when she caught the big fish. She was using a bread ball and was fishing at night. "I've been fishing my whole life, so it was always my mission to catch a record blue tilapia," said Henry. "I had researched the minimum weight, so I knew what I was looking for." Blue tilapia are abundant throughout central and southern Florida. They feed primarily on plankton and small organisms living in or on the bottom. As a result, blue tilapia are not known for their angling quality. However, some urban anglers catch them in ponds, using bread balls, small pieces of hot dogs, dog food or live worms. They are rarely caught on artificial lures. Blue tilapia generally have white, flaky meat with a mild flavor and are considered excellent eating. Farm-raised tilapia are often sold in grocery stores. The FWC encourages catching and eating most exotic fish, including blue tilapia. Because they are nonnative, there is no size or bag limit. "Our goal is to ensure quality fishing throughout Florida both now and in the future," said Tom Champeau, director of the FWC's Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management. "Ms. Henry's support and participation in the FWC's Big Catch Angler recognition program will help us maintain Florida's reputation as the Fishing Capital of the World."