Tallahassee Summit Results, 6 January 2006

NOTES FROM PUBLIC COMMENTS; FRESHWATER FISHERIES SUMMIT
TALLAHASSEE, FL—JANUARY 2006

Pollution coming from Georgia via the Ochlockonee River. County is lead. LakeWatch Data Set is available. DEP (Environmental Protection) also involved. Municipal involvement (Tallahassee, Cairo).
Less algae blooms this year in Talquin. Talquin does not have too much nutrient at this time (fertilizer). 2005 was a banner bass year on Talquin (stocking, vegetation transplanting etc.)
Concern with 18” minimum length limit and bait cast netters. Calling Wildlife Alert (1-888-404-FWCC (3922)—while the activity is occurring is best and getting boat numbers (FL numbers) is helpful to report after the fact.
Preference of some anglers to keep a small fish rather than a large (4-5 year old fish) one.
Consider putting some coves off limit for spawning refuges, especially concerned with tournaments.
FWC is attempting to simplify rules (three categories of size limit). Comment on habitat being the limiting factor, not actual reproduction.
Comment on white bass introduction to the lake and their impact on largemouth.
Desire for hybrid bluegill (Georgia giant/green sunfish issue).
Biggest concern though was to keep one LMB under 18”.
Aquatic vegetation control, perceived as excessive due to spraying.
Note: Florida Sportsman has a current article about Lake Okeechobee issue with vegetation—water levels being the key there, along with hurricane impact.
Vegetation control is lead by DEP, but Water Management Districts and Corps of Engineers are local applicators.
When specks spawn, airboat applicators run through the area. Especial concern for spraying hyacinth and others near beds during the season.
Hyacinth control is targeted early in the plants growing season, since they can double their surface area in less than a month. Spray isn’t effective when the plant is growing. But this can be addressed. Many applicators are very selective on Talquin.
Currently using independent contractors on Talquin. FWC transplanted bulrush and is working with DEP to keep it from being sprayed. Cooperation is there, but if problems occur call ASAP and we’ll help work out details (phone numbers available as handout in the back).
Talquin drawdowns are limited to a minimum of five years, typically a seven year cycle. It affects local businesses, so it is a sensitive balance. Stocking has been helpful.
Stocking enhancements are dependent on local conditions, the new Florida Bass Conservation Center offers great new opportunities.
Drawdowns have been much more effective long-term. Stocking is a stop gap that is less inconvenient to businesses and only helps bass. Drawdowns improve habitat for all fish. Last one on Talquin was 1998.
Future habitat plans for Talquin? This past year was great for bass. Given last drawdown was ’98 the stockings have evidently helped extend the benefits, but there is not another strong year class (fish spawned last year that aren’t yet being caught by anglers). We are waiting angler input, due to a commitment we made in ’98 that we’d do everything we could (bulrush planting, regulations, stocking) to delay the need, until anglers feel the need. Then we’ll be ready to go forward with another drawdown. Creel is seasonal 10-weeks (begins in March).
Plan to expand bulrush stocking this year on Talquin.
Comment about local businesses needing their own lakes managed to maintain quality fishing, without having to wait for a problem. Businesses need to plan for contingencies themselves and knowing when drawdowns or similar activity will take place allows for that planning. A two to three-year planning window is appropriate, five years would be great. Crappie and bream are the money fish for local businesses—so drawdowns are critical.
Best guess for now is next drawdown is 2-3 years out. The first 19’ (1984) drawdown had the biggest impact. The 17’ drawdown in 1991 did well but not as well. The 10’ drawdown in 1998 generated two year classes but not as well as the others.
Cormorant depredation problems are a concern. It is one of the few native birds that have a significant population expansion. US Fish and Wildlife is addressing to some degree.
Question are common carp hurting anything. No hard data, but they aren’t helping and are non-native. No existing control mechanisms, but some bow-fishers etc. target them.
Need more Conservation Officer patrol time especially around landings at peak fishing times. Wildlife Alert is again a good way to get Law Enforcement out when a problem is observed.

PHOTOS OF SOME SUMMITS ARE AVAILABLE ON-LINE

Take Me Fishing.org is a great general information site for recreational anglers and boaters.

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