FWC salutes UF bass-fishing team for back-to-back national wins
News Release
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Media contact: Bob Wattendorf, 850-488-0520
(Back to Commission meeting news)
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
recognized Jake Gipson and Matthew Wercinski Thursday for their
unprecedented back-to-back wins in the National Guard/FLW College
Fishing National Championship.At their meeting in St. Augustine,
the commissioners also recognized Mike Allen, Ph.D., the faculty
sponsor of the winning University of Florida bass-fishing team.
The FWC believes that the national recognition generated by
these young men's accomplishment will help inspire and recruit new
anglers to conserve, enhance and enjoy the state's recreational
resources.
"Florida is among the top destinations in the world for
largemouth bass fishing and is actively working to further improve
both the quality of bass fishing and global perceptions of these
outstanding fisheries," said Tom Champeau, director of the FWC's
Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management. "Recognizing Dr. Allen
and the UF fishing team helps to emphasize this and thank them for
being role models."
The resolution also acknowledged that competitive fishing helps
highlight the quality of Florida fisheries, the excitement of the
sport and the need for safe and ethical fishing practices. Along
with recreational angling pursuits, fishing tournaments help
generate jobs and revenue for local communities.
For more information on recreational fishing in Florida, go to
MyFWC.com/Fishing.
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