Florida Tenoroc Fishing Derby Set for April 6
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is sponsoring a freshwater fishing derby at Tenoroc Fish Management Area (FMA) in Lakeland on April 6, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. No fishing license is required on this particular day, but participants must register in advance for the derby, for which there is no charge.
The FWC wants to hook aspiring anglers and their families on the thrill of fishing. Also on April 6, both residents and nonresidents are exempt from Florida’s freshwater fishing license requirements, but all other regulations continue to apply.
Former Sen. Paula Dockery will open the festivities, which, in addition to fishing, include a casting contest; live snake, turtle and invertebrate displays; a fly-tying demonstration; and a trophy catch display. Lunch for all registered participants is provided free, courtesy of Sweetbay.
For kids 15 years of age and under, bait is free. A limited number of loaner rods and reels are also available to this age group; however, older anglers must supply their own bait and tackle. Parents or guardians must accompany children.
To register, call Joyce Ellerbe or Trina Heil at 863-648-3200, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tenoroc FMA is at 3829 Tenoroc Mine Road, Lakeland.
If you would like more information on freshwater fishing, go to MyFWC.com/Fishing and select “Freshwater Fishing” or call the FWC’s Lakeland office at 863-648-3200.
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission came into existence on July 1, 1999 - the result of a constitutional amendment approved in the 1998 General Election as part of the package proposed by the Constitution Revision Commission.
In the implementation of the Constitutional Amendment, the Florida Legislature combined all of the staff and Commissioners of the former Marine Fisheries Commission, elements of the Divisions of Marine Resources and Law Enforcement of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and all of the employees and Commissioners of the former Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.
Five years later, after consulting stakeholders, employees and other interested parties, the FWC adopted a new internal structure to address complex conservation issues of the new century. The new structure focuses on programs, such as habitat management, that affect numerous species. It will focus on moving the decision-making process closer to the public and did not require any additional funding or additional positions.
