The draft plan includes revisions based on appropriate public comments Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invasive plant section biologists have received since last May from public meetings in Lake Wales and Kissimmee.

The meeting also will be an opportunity for the public to hear updates from the FWC on lake enhancement projects and snail kites on the Kissimmee Chain.

For more information on the meeting, please contact Ed Harris at 407-858-6170.

FWC Freshwater Director Tom Champeau & Marketing Director Tim O'Neil

As we maned the booth over the three days it was very quickly validated that Florida is the industry leader in bass conservation and this plan sets us apart, this is what the anglers and industry showed us with there overwhelming support. By the pictures below, you can tell the encouragement for this program is the utmost importance and this came equally from freshwater and saltwater anglers.

FWC Freshwater Director Tom Champeau & Bass2Billfish host Peter Miller

FWC Director Tom Champeau, Roland Martin & Marketing Director Tim O'Neil

B.A.S.S. Elite Pro Mike Icaonelli & Director Tom Champeau chatting about Trophy Catch

Mike Zimmer (Florida Insider Fishing Report), Tom Champeau (FWC Freshwater Director), Tim O'Neil (FWC Marketing Director), Rick Murphy (Sportsman Adventures)

If you have followed the grow of the BBMP you know that lots of work has gone in to this plan, not only from the agency but the public input. I ask you to stay engaged and keep informed of the changes by going to MyFWC or of coarse you can away contact one of the FLFFC members for updates and comments…We still need your input!

While the Trophy Catch is truely exciting and the BBMP becomes almost a silent point, know the BBMP is the driving force to the future of freshwater fishing in Florida. It’s loaded with elements based on science and it turley is a citizen guided plan to ensure we are the undisputed “Bass Fishing Capital of the World.”

Letting you know the first Technical Assistance Group (TAG) meeting for the development of the Florida’s Black Bass Management Plan will be on June 15^th at the Bass Conservation Center near Brooksville, Fl.

We have assembled a great group of stakeholders, with lots of diversity consisting of several Professional Anglers, Marina Owners, Outdoor Writers, Bass Club Representatives , Conservationist and Tourist specialist.

This particular meeting is closed to additional (TAG) members, but is open to the public. This is why we have provided notice giving you ample time to send in your suggestions to the Florida Freshwater Fishing Coalition on what you would like or not like to see in the new black bass management plan. The plan is ours to design, let’s build it together for the future!

Please send all comment regarding the Black Bass Management Plan to bassplan@flffc.org

Thanks once again to all of our  conservation and recreation advocate partners!

“We are standing together to protect our fisheries”

The Florida Freshwater Fishing Coalition held their inaugural meeting at the Bass Pro Shops store in Orlando, Florida.

The Tuesday 9am-5pm meeting featured guest speaker Darrell Scovel, the Director of the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC).  

The Issues-Topic Presentation:  ”Florida’s Fisheries Funding Sources and Spending”

Also scheduled:  The FLFFC founders discussed, partnerships & issues management, the organizational structure, and the formation of the 2009-2010 agenda.

The immediate progress – organization business plan, coalition-engine mechanism, marketing strategies, and incorporation development schedule.

The established purpose - to provide a coalition-vehicle through which representation of freshwaterbody-users rights are voiced before the various levels of the Florida government.

All are invited to partner with us in this most important, essential, coalition organization.