SEMINOLE-ORANGE COUNTY

This drawdown will be the first ever conducted on Stick Marsh/Farm13, which became world renowned as a premier trophy bass fishery following impoundment in 1991. A Critical Wildlife Area is within the reservoir and provides nesting and roosting habitat for imperiled waterbirds, including roseate spoonbills and tricolored herons. The lower water levels created by the drawdown should benefit waterbirds by increasing foraging habitat and concentrating prey. Snail kites do not currently nest in the Stick Marsh but the results of this project could facilitate future kite nesting and foraging in this area. Water levels around the nesting islands are anticipated to be high enough to continue to prevent land predators.

To conduct a drawdown of the Stick Marsh/Farm 13, Three Forks Conservation Area to the north must also undergo a drawdown. Biologists will closely monitor the Three Forks Conservation Area for snail kite nesting. The St. Johns Water Management Area boat ramp at the Stick Marsh/Farm 13 and the Thomas O. Lawton Recreation Area boat ramp at Three Forks Conservation Area will remain accessible during this project. Please be aware that shallower water can create underwater hazards. Boaters should operate at slower speeds and proceed with caution.

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

For more information about this project, contact FWC biologists, Trevor Knight at 352-732-1225 or Joel Andreas at 321-624-9468.

to www.myfwc.com and search Florida Fishing Pier Finder.

Roy’s Surf Fishing Guide Service

For the 3rd Year we will be able to have the SURF FISHING CHALLENGE on March 31st- April 1st, 2023 at Lost Lagoon Wings and Grill in the back yard. Friday March 31st Starting at 4pm is start of Sign up in Person $40.00 Cash, Fishbites will be doing the Kid’s Division and it will cost $25.00. Angler’s Meeting will start at 6pm. Everyone will be Looking for Pompano, Bluefish and Whiting.

First place for each Fish is $500.00 in Adults. Fishbites will giving nice Prizes for Kid’s

Saturday April 1st, 2023 Fishermen will be lining area beaches from 206 Crescent Beach to Sebastian Inlet. Sponsor’s will Open at 12 noon and will be selling lots of different items. We will start Raffles at 3pm till gone. Weight-In is 2pm to 4pm, music great food and full outside bar. Free Admission to join if not Fishing. Come learn and watch from other fishermen.

SPECIAL GUEST COULD DROP IN. All money from Raffles will be split with 2 groups that take kids Fishing that can’t afford it.

Roy’s Surf Fishing Guide Service is a local life long Surf Fisherman born in Daytona Beach. Check out both websites: Surffishingchallenge.com Royssurffishing.com