As part of the volunteer focus group, we had another meeting on Medard and the future this week. Overall, Medard is doing well and looks like it will be open for harvest on 1/1/2013. There will be a larger audience public meeting scheduled with a Q&A section later this year.
The fish stocks are rebounding and while most are small still, there have been larger fish stocked as well. Noted during the meeting was a recent catfish spawn too. (my personal favorite). Bass and the slot size for the lake is still up for decision but most other rules will be the same as the overall state regulations. One item of note is that there will be no cast netting allowed except for the commercial harvest of Tilapia. That will be only on specific days of the week and will all be announced during the public meeting.
The gators are there too but not currently subject to harvest. My hope is that we shall see that change too. I have asked for consideration. FWC and Hillsborough has been very receptive to talks so thats good. (no duck hunting on this lake)
Overall, my recent trips to the lake have been good. Fish are small but there. Right now its all catch and release. I think next time, I will bring the fly rod. Medard is as pretty as it once was and is still serene. I am glad its basically back.
Fishindad
Too bad the same can't be said of the bait shop....
