There a lot of fish in Lake Apopka, but there's also a lot of lake so fishermen often come away empty handed.
Now, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and some volunteers are creating fish attractors to help the recreational fishermen.
They are essentialy bundles of large branches tied together. A small white bouy is attached to keep them upright under water. A brick is tied to the bottom and they are sunk around the lake.
Smaller fish seek protection in the branches and that attracts larger fish you can catch!
The 30,000 acre lake has good populations of black crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish. However, there are fish advisories for the crappie, bluegill, tilapia, catfish and largemouth bass due to pesticide contamination.
Improving the lake
Lake Apopka has been slowly returning to its former glory after nutrient runoff from adjacent agricultural operations nearly killed the ecology.
FWC also plans to to add aquatic plants to increase the habitat for fish and wildlife, dredge the Winter Garden and Magnolia Landing boat ramps and remove the phosphorus to improve the water quality.
The lake will also be stocked with sunshine bass this summer. Learn more about fish consumption advisories by clicking here.
http://youtu.be/BANaIK2mDPU