Sprawling Orlando in Orange County isn't just about Disney World, Epcot Center or Universal Studios anymore.

In addition to these and other world famous attractions dotting its immediate landscape, the metropolis is being transformed into a prominent fishing destination for residents and visitors, thanks to a new, ambitious Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)-generated "Fab Five" program which will run in conjunction with the FWC's already successful and ongoing "Urban Pond" and "Fish Orlando!" initiatives.

"Among our main goals is to produce quality fishing experiences for both beginner and advanced anglers," said Jim Sweatman, FWC fisheries biologist and Fab Five program coordinator.

"We hope to peak a public appetite for fishing with these easy-to-reach area lakes by managing them to generate piscatorial excellence for tourists, youngsters and families."

As time goes on, Sweatman anticipates that FWC will incorporate other convenient water bodies into its overall plan.

For now, however, selected Fab Five lakes, management aims and proposed activities include:

1. Stark Lake. This 202-acre water body located in Ocoee is designed to provide a balanced bass and bluegill site for residents. Planned work on Stark calls for the removal of nuisance aquatic vegetation and replanting with desirable native plants. There will be a designated boat landing area, plus no wake zones to protect the transplanted greenery. A fishing pier or platform with nearby fish feeders and rock reefs will be constructed. It's anticipated that lake chubsuckers will be stocked to provide large bait fish for a growing bass population since past research has shown a link between trophy bass populations and the presence of this forage.
2. Turkey Lake. Largest of the Fab 5 selections, this 339-acre gem located just off busy International Drive, is convenient to both residents and tourists anxious to sample a quality, FWC-managed bass and black crappie (speckled perch) fishery. Nuisance shoreline vegetation is being replaced with desirable plant life to improve habitat and bank access, while adjacent brush and rock attractors are being designed to concentrate fish. An additional pier with handicap access and nearby fish feeders will be constructed, while a limited number of rental boats will be made available to compensate for the lack of a public launching ramp. A camping area and primitive cabin construction program is on the immediate agenda.
3. Kirkman Pond. Particularly convenient for the International Drive tourist community, this 10-acre pond is being renovated to provide quality hybrid bluegill and largemouth bass fishing opportunities. Surrounding hotels and motels will cooperate with the Fab 5 concept by lending fishing rods, reels and terminal tackle to guests. Fish feeders, an aeration system and a covered pier will be installed. Unlike the typical urban pond function where feeders are used primarily for attracting fish, Kirkman's feeders will deliver food at a rate designed to increase fish growth.
4. Cane-Marsha Park. Variety is the theme here as the park's three small lakes are being designed to provide diverse angling opportunities. Lupine Lake (7 acres) is being stocked with large catfish, along with fish feeders to sustain growth. In addition, a covered pier will be built, an aeration system installed and shoreline vegetation will be removed to provide better bank access. Shadow Bay (5 acres) will include a fishing pier, aeration system, fish feeders and rock reefs to concentrate stocked bass and bluegill populations. Also planned for Shadow Bay is the removal of muck areas and a revegetation effort using desirable aquatic plants and eelgrass. Degraded 3-acre Woodland Pond will undergo a complete renovation in order to improve its water quality before being restocked with fish.
5. Clear Lake. Area residents and guests will enjoy a quality hybrid striped bass fishery in 313-acre Clear Lake following removal of its current grass carp population and completion of a comprehensive revegetation design. Blueprints call for construction of a fishing pier, fish feeders and attracting fish to fishermen via the creation of an artificial water flow. Plans also call for an annual stocking of from 15,000 to 30,000 striper fingerlings.

Those wanting more information about this ambitious Fab 5 program are invited to contact Jim Sweatman by writing 924 N. Magnolia Avenue, Suite 315, Orlando, FL 32803, or calling the FWC office at (407) 317-7329.