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Sport fish limits suspended at Medard

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 28, 2009

TURKEY CREEK - It's a fishing free-for-all at Medard Reservoir for at least the next few weeks.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is suspending bag limits and size limits on largemouth bass, bream and black crappie at the reservoir, if they are caught by rod and reel, or pole.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is preparing to drain the reservoir to repair an aging dam there.

The reservoir, on Turkey Creek Road, east of Brandon and south of Plant City, is one of Hillsborough County's most popular county parks. Many of those who visit do so specifically to fish.

Anglers must adhere to all other sportfish regulations, including those concerning legal methods of taking fish. Anglers may use cast nets to take nongame fish such as tilapia (Nile perch) and catfish.

The commission's open harvest regulation will remain in effect until the lake is closed to the public some time in November, said FWC biologist Bill Pouder.

The 770-acre impoundment eventually will be reduced in size to about 150 acres of water while the dam is being repaired. The FWC decided to remove the bag and size limits on most sportfish species at the reservoir in anticipation of poor water quality from the draw-down, which likely will cause large fish kills in the impoundment.

The dam repair project will be completed by May 2010, weather and other factors permitting.

The lake will remain closed as a construction site until the project is complete and water levels have returned to normal. The FWC then will restock the lake.

For information, visit MyFWC.com/fishing.

A staff report

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