This 52-pound striper was spawned at Blackwater hatchery to help repopulate panhandle rivers.

Photo from FWC archives.

Electrofishing stuns fish temporarily so they can be examined and released alive.

Photo from FWC archives.

An electric current from a gas generator stuns fish temporarily so they can be measured and checked for tags.

Photo from FWC archives.

Fish are stocked in Florida waters generally to help repopulate areas after major problems, such as caused by droughts during 2000-2001.

Photo from FWC archives.

Fish can be intensively reared from eggs to fry and even to fingerling size in small tanks with aeration.

Water chemistry plays an important role in determining if habitat is suitable for freshwater fishes.

FWC biologists often put on clinics to help teach families how to fish, so they can spend quality time together.

Fishing derbies provide great opportunities for families to spend quality time together.

Photo from FWC archives.

At many boating and fishing shows and other outdoor events the FWC sets up a fishing simulator to let people get a feel for the action.

Photo by Bob Wattendorf, FWC.

Fishing clinics also help teach a lesson about stewardship responsibilities and fisheries conservation.

Photo by Bill Greer, FWC.

Fishing doesn't have to be expensive, and Fish Management Areas such as Medard Park help shorten the time between bites.

The FWC uses Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration Funds from an excise tax on tackle to build fishing piers to increase angling opportunities.

Photo from FWC archives.

Boat ramps with courtesy piers to facilitate launching are scattered around the state and maintained by the FWC using Federal Aid funds.