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Hydrilla on Lake Istokpoga… is it there? What about other submerged aquatic plants?

FWC biologists have documented hydrilla on Lake Istokpoga for roughly the past two years; however, its coverage is estimated to be no more than about half an acre and there has not been much expansion since the first documentation a few years ago. Because of the presence of hydrilla, FWC biologists suspect that there is currently a seed bank of hydrilla present in the lake, and it is only a matter of time before the plant expands to cover a greater area. According to the Lake Istokpoga Habitat Management Plan, FWC is allowing up to 2,500 acres of hydrilla to grow on the lake, and, unless it hits one of the trigger points outlined in the management plan, will not treat hydrilla until it reaches that threshold. Despite the slow growth of hydrilla on the lake, other native submerged vegetation, like eelgrass, has exploded on both the eastern and western shorelines. These submerged aquatic plants also do a great job of providing protection for juvenile sportfish, concentrate baitfish, and aid in improving water quality on the lake. Similarly, FWC has been trying to re-establish Illinois Pondweed (also known as peppergrass) back onto the lake through a series of plantings. FWC biologists select various locations around the lake where the plant has been historically, in hopes conditions are right for the new plants to survive. Planting tactics include putting cages around newly planted plants, to prevent herbivory from wildlife, such as turtles. So far, plantings haven’t been as successful as FWC has hoped, but biologists are continuing to brainstorm new ways to reintroduce this plant to the lake.

— If you have any comments on any information related in this article, please reach out to Sara Menendez at sara.menendez@myfwc.com

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20 Sacks Weighed Heavier than 30 Pounds at One Tourney

Catch a 30-pound ve- sh sack of bass, and you’re pretty much a lock to win whatever tournament you’re shing, right?

Imagine that glorious moment when you’ve been culling 5-pounders and pull into the docks to unload your livewell. With a grin on your face, you haul that huge bag of sh up to the scales…only to nd out your 30-pound sack barely put you in the top 20! at was the reality at a May 6 Roland Martin Marine Center Bass Series event on Lake Okeechobee. e shing was so good that anglers weighed 20 ve-bass limits that were heavier than 30 pounds. It took 36.82 pounds to win. We’re not sure who keeps track of such things, but that’s more 30-pound sacks in one tournament than we’ve ever heard of.

A father-son team of Preston and 11-year-old Tavyn Heisler won the 177-team tournament and a $6,500 big check.

“It was an amazing day,” Preston told a RMMCBS reporter a er the tournament. “I’m still shaking and I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Tavyn said he was the net man early in the tournament, but he caught his own 8-pounder late in the day. His favorite lure was a black and blue charterbait.

To read a full report on the event, visit: rolandmartinmarinecenterseries.com.