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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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Feb. 21, 2024

Suggested Tweet: New #bass regulations for two waterbodies in #AlachuaCounty support trophy bass management;
@MyFWC: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/38c1d3d #Florida #FWC2024

FWC approves new rules to support trophy bass management

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved new regulations to support trophy bass
conservation during its February meeting.

The approved rules include largemouth bass fishing regulations changes for specific waterbodies, including Lochloosa,
Orange and Newnans lakes in Alachua County.

Specific freshwater fishing regulations approved for these waterbodies prohibit killing or possessing any black bass that
is 20 inches or more in total length. Also, the new rule requires circle hooks when fishing with natural baits greater than
3 inches in length. A circle hook is a fishing hook designed and manufactured so that the point is not offset and is turned
perpendicularly back to the shank to form a general circular or oval shape.

“Florida bass need to have the right genetics and waterbody conditions to grow for a long time,” said FWC Commissioner
Gary Lester. “Orange Lake is unique, like in its fluctuations in water levels, that makes ideal conditions for bass to reach
record sizes.”

These freshwater fishing regulations changes support the agency’s concerted efforts to grow larger trophy bass across the
state and allow bass in these lakes to reach their maximum growth potential. The goal of the FWC’s Florida Trophy Bass
Project is to make Florida the undisputed Trophy Bass Capital of the World. FWC staff are focused on producing, document-
ing and promoting trophy bass as well as increasing opportunities to catch Florida’s heaviest trophies.

To learn more about the Florida Trophy Bass Project, visit MyFWC.com/TrophyBass.

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Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission · 620 S. Meridian Street · Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 · (850) 488-4676 GovDelivery logo
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