Located two miles northeast of Lakeland, Tenoroc Fish Management Area (FMA) is a 7,300-acre tract of land that was mined for phosphate until the mid-1970's. This land contained numerous reclaimed and unreclaimed lakes, locally referred to as "phosphate pits." Originally, 6,000 acres of Tenoroc was donated to the State of Florida by Borden Inc. in 1982.

Although numerous phosphate pit lakes exist in Polk County, and many support outstanding sportfisheries for largemouth bass and panfish, most are privately owned and are off-limits to the general public. The land donation by Borden, Inc. provided the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists with a unique challenge to develop recreational activities on this disturbed land site. Of those recreational activities most actively sought by the public, quality recreational fishing was of primary interest.

Beginning in 1983, FWC biologists began the task of evaluating the fisheries at Tenoroc and developing fish management plans. Extensive research efforts were directed at testing a variety of restrictive harvest regulations on largemouth bass and other popular game fish in an attempt to maintain high quality fishing success. These early studies generated important information to biologists that now directly benefits anglers. Regulations relying heavily on catch-and-release of largemouth bass are the backbone of fishery management efforts.

Since FWC accepted all management responsibility for Tenoroc in 1992, the area has expanded through state land acquisition. Tenoroc now includes fourteen lakes encompassing about 900 acres that are open to public fishing under different regulations and user restrictions. Other areas that have been acquired will be opened to the public once quality fishing opportunities are available and access has been developed.

Efforts to provide quality recreational fisheries continue today as Division of Fresh Water Fisheries biologists manage Tenoroc sportfish populations that attract and satisfy thousands of visitors annually. Come visit and enjoy Florida freshwater fishing at it's finest.