NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

March 2, 2001

CONTACT: Bill Pouder (850) 265-3676

MARCH 17 IS SIGN-UP DAY FOR FREE KIDS FISHING EVENT AT BLOUNTSTOWN

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the University of Florida's (U.F.) Sam Mitchell Aquaculture Demonstration Farm in Blountstown are working together April 7 to accommodate 300 youngsters for Kids Fishing Days.

FWC fisheries biologist Bill Pouder said kids 15 years of age and younger can participate but they must be pre-registered by a parent or guardian calling the Commission's Panama City office on Saturday March 17 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Monday March 19 until all spaces are filled. He said a total of 150 kids will be allowed to fish in the morning from 8 - 10 a.m. and another 150 in the afternoon from 12 - 2 p.m.

Catfish and hybrid striped bass have been stocked in the ponds and each child will be allowed to take home five fish, of which no more than two can be hybrid striped bass. Families should bring along coolers with ice to preserve their catch.

"The kids will need a rod-and-reel or a fishing pole and whatever kind of bait they want to use," Pouder said. Recommended baits are frozen shrimp, chicken livers and live worms.

He said a parent or guardian must be present at all times and they can be responsible for no more than two kids. As a safety precaution, he said no one will be allowed to fish with multiple hooks, such as treble hooks.

The U.F. Sam Mitchell Aquaculture Farm is located eight miles north of Blountstown on State Road 69. The FWC's Panama City office number for registration is (850) 265-3676.