BACKGROUND
Current Status:
Of 2.8 million anglers fishing in Florida, 1.9
million were residents and 0.9 million were tourists from virtually
every state and numerous countries. Anglers averaged 17.2 days per
year fishing in Florida, for a total of 46.3 million days of
quality outdoor recreation. Of those, 24.4 million days were spent
on fresh water by 1.4 million anglers, and 23.1 million days were
spent on salt water.
Bass anglers spend more than 14 million days
fishing in Florida each year, which generates $1.25 billion for the
state's economy (U.S. Department of Interior, 2006, Florida
Edition). With 3 million acres of freshwater lakes, ponds and
reservoirs, and 12,000 miles of rivers, streams and canals, Florida
is a premier destination for bass anglers.
The Florida largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides
floridanus) is genetically unique and has been stocked worldwide
because of its potential for rapid growth to trophy size (10 pounds
or heavier). Every year, a few Florida anglers catch 13- to
15-pound trophy largemouth bass. Moreover, Florida has shoal (M.
cataractae), spotted (M. punctulatus) and Suwannee bass (M.
notius), each of which exists only in discrete areas and requires
specific habitat and prey to maintain its populations. Programs
such as the Black Bass Grand Slam promoted in BassMaster Magazine
draw more attention to these limited populations - necessitating
greater attention to conservation practices to ensure their
sustainability.
The fishing public perceives Florida to
be among the top bass fishing states, but the fishery and trophy
fish availability are depleted from historic levels in many
localities, as documented in big-fish tournament records over the
past several decades (see graph). Numerous pressures challenge fish
management, including human population growth and development,
declining water quality and current water management and fish
management policies. Climate change, including precipitation and
sea level changes, may create additional impacts. Preliminary
surveys of stakeholders indicate overall satisfaction with the
fishery but some concerns about negative impacts on bass
populations and fishing opportunities, and the need for an enhanced
management strategy (
Appendix I).
This plan is action-based and will help FWC staff
develop solutions for management issues such as habitat
enhancement, aquatic plant management, fisheries regulations and
appropriate stocking plans, while improving communications about
angling ethics and opportunities, ensuring access, and reaching out
to youth to keep them engaged in recreational fishing and
conservation. The plan must be integrated with other local, state
and federal programs. Effective implementation of the plan should
also benefit fishing-dependent private businesses, including those
that indirectly profit (e.g., gas stations, local grocers, motels
and restaurants), and riparian land owners whose waterfront
property values are affected by aesthetics and fishing quality.
Florida is recognized as the overall "Fishing Capital of the
World" and by implementation of this plan seeks to become the
undisputed "Bass Fishing Capital of the World" too.
Persons with Disabilities