NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

January 7, 2000

CONTACT: Fred Cross (850) 265-3676

DEER POINT LAKE CLOSED TO BASS FISHING

Anglers who plan to fish Deer Point Lake in Bay County from now through the end of February while the lake is being lowered an estimated 40 inches will be required to live-release all largemouth bass they catch as a result of action taken by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The order closing the 5,000-acre reservoir to bass fishing from Jan. 10 - Feb. 29 was signed by FWC Executive Director Dr. Allan Egbert and is aimed at preventing the over-harvest of bass during the drawdown.

"Fishermen told us prior to the drawdown they were concerned about the possible over-harvest of bass since they’ll be more concentrated in the shallower areas of the lake," said Fred Cross, the FWC’s regional freshwater fisheries biologist. "Whether or not that actually would occur is a matter of debate but this is probably the best action."

The drawdown, which has been on the drawing board for the last year, is a cooperative effort between Bay County, who originally built the dam and created the reservoir in 1961, and the FWC to reduce the amount of the noxious plant lemon bacopa found in the lake and at the same time improve fish and wildlife habitat. The drawdown was originally scheduled to begin Dec. 1, 1999 but was delayed until Tuesday of this week, Jan. 4, due to delays in the placement of a water line across North Bay just south of the Deer Point Lake Dam.

The closing order for fishing applies only to largemouth bass and includes the lake north and east of County Road 2321 and all tributaries including Econfina Creek downstream from Highway 388.

"If the drawdown is terminated early for any reason and the lake is refilled, our recommendation will be to immediately rescind the closing order," Cross said.