Temporarily Prohibiting Possession of Bass

FWC issues executive order temporarily prohibiting the possession and take of largemouth bass on certain fish management areas

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued a temporary executive order on Jan. 11 that states the take or possession of largemouth bass from the following waterbodies is currently prohibited and is catch-and-release only until Feb. 12.

The FWC stocks urban ponds at partner sites around Florida with largemouth bass as part of a community-based fishing program. The initiative provides greater fishing access to Florida's world class bass fishery. The stocking program is a conservation initiative that creates and helps sustain quality fishing opportunities.

In order to comply with an FDA 21-day post stocking consumption prohibition on these hatchery reared, recently stocked largemouth bass, the FWC issued a temporary executive order effective Jan. 11, prohibiting the possession and take of largemouth bass on these recently stocked fish management areas. The prohibition against take and possession allows for catch-and-release-only fishing and incorporates those 21 days.

Those waterbodies are:

• Lake Okeeheelee – Palm Beach County



• Tropical Park – Miami-Dade County



• Bear Creek Pond – Orange County

If you have questions about the executive order, contact Ryan Hamm at Ryan.Hamm@MyFWC.com or 904-424-4838.