NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

April 20, 1999

Contact: Ralph Laprairie or John Cimbaro (561) 791-4730

URBAN FISHING OPPORTUNITIES SPOTLIGHTED IN NEW FREE PUBLICATION TITLED: THE CITY FISHER

Excellent urban fishing opportunities close to home are showcased in a new free, four-page quarterly newsletter now available at 50 bait and tackle shops throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Dade counties.

"The City Fisher" is produced as a public service by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Community-Based Fishing Project headquartered in West Palm Beach.

Many anglers may be surprised to learn that the city ponds and canals offer an affordable, convenient, and easily accessible alternative to towing a bass boat to some distant glamour spot like Lake Okeechobee, said Editor John Cimbaro.

The free newsletter will inform and educate the public about where, when and how to fish for the wide variety of species found in the city s shadow. Each issue will profile a specific canal,pond, native sportfish, exotic species, and also include a feature on fish biology pertinent to the south Florida metro complex.

Fishing regulations relevant to the urban angler will be the subject of another regular feature emphasizing why the regulation was created and how biologists believe compliance will enhance fishing quality and quantity. The column will also explain in easily understandable terms some of the more complex regulations.

Feeding preferences of the butterfly peacock bass are examined in the first story of the newsletter's fish biology beat. A study of 550 peacock bass taken from the Tamiami Canal in Dade County confirmed that the imported super predator's diet consisted of 79 percent spotted Tilapia, shad, and brook silversides minnows. The negative impact on native sportfish like largemouth bass was negligible.

The debut issue includes an interview with Frank Morello, the FWC's top biologist in south Florida who began his career here in 1972 fresh out of Auburn University. Since 1980, this hands on administrator has overseen the freshwater fisheries of the Everglades Region including ten counties from Indian River County south to Monroe County.

Morello provides an overview of the changes in the south Florida fishery since coming here 26 years ago. He also comments on the growing importance of the urban fishing resource as we approach the new century, Year 2000, and regards "The City Fisher" newsletter as a valuable tool in promoting the angling opportunities presented by the metropolitan canals and ponds.

Questions about "The City Fisher" or the Community-Based Fishing Project should be addressed to: Biologists Ralph Laprairie or John Cimbaro, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Everglades Regional Office, 8535 Northlake Blvd., West Palm Beach, Fl. 33412; or call, (561) 791-4730.