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Bass Fishing Kids Trail

Basso Pro logoThe Eighth Annual Bass Fishing Kids Trail presented by Bass Pro Shops and the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division. This program has become very popular with kids and parents. Although everyone has learned that catching bass from shore without live bait can be pretty difficult, it's been great to see many of the anglers improve their skills. We have had some great weigh-ins, and the time spent fishing in our parks has provided some terrific family outings. Bass Pro Shops are donating an 8-foot Pond Prowler for the classic tournament winner.

2010 Bass Fishing Trail Schedule

April 17, 2010 C.B. Smith Park
June 19, 2010 T.Y. Park
July 24, 2010 Quiet Waters Park
August 14, 2010 C.B. Smith Park
September 18, 2010 Tradewinds Park
November 13, 2010  "Wild Card" C.B. Smith Park
December 4, 2010 Quiet Waters Park

 

If you need information, contact Gary Waingrow at 954-306-3441 or check on-line.

Trophy Donated by Grey's TaxidermyAfter the tournament trail ends, there is a competition between the counties (Broward and Palm Beach). This year's competition was held Saturday, January 23, 2010, at Okeeheelee Park in Palm Beach County. Palm Beach Junior Anglers were victorious over the team from Broward County.  Fishing was tough with cold conditions but Palm Beach managed to out fish Broward and walk away with the team trophy which will stay in Palm Beach until next year. The perpetual trophy donated by Grey's Taxidermy is awesome and has a 10 pound bass mounted on it. Next year the final competition will be held in Broward County.

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Some Classic Catches

Smile! Good catch! A trophy winner at the fishing tournament
Tips from the expert Getting tips on catching fish Successful fishing day

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 12th Annual Junior Bass Tournament Trail

Sponsored by:
Gambler Worms

This program is specifically designed for ages 12 -17.  All participants must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.  The adult will not be permitted to fish.  All participants must fish from a boat.  Tournament rules are similar to those used in professional bass tournaments.  Trophies are awarded at each monthly tournament for First through Third place and Big Bass catch.  Tournament point totals are compiled over the four months of competition.  The angler with the most points at the end of the competition will be named Junior Angler of the Year and will be awarded a special prize package.  Cost of the program is $65 for each participant and covers all four tournaments.  There is no fee for the adult in the boat.

Tournament dates are:

For more details about registration, tournament rules, and general information, contact Bob Newland at 954-357-8816 or e-mail rnewland@broward.org.

Results from January 9, 2010, at Quiet Waters Park
To fish or not to fish. That was the question. Despite the most difficult and challenging conditions, the tournament was on. After a weeklong cold front, it was 42 degrees at launch with winds gusting to 25. To top it off, it rained all day. We weren’t expecting much at the weigh in but everyone  fished hard all day without giving up. To say we were surprised at final weigh in is an understatement. For the conditions, the 39 fish weighed in was fantastic. ----1st Place---Cody Dolan—5 fish—10 pounds total, 2nd Place—Garrett George—5 fish—7.2 pounds total, 3rd Place—Mikey Foley—2 fish—6.05 pounds   4th Place—Dillon Ricinski—5 fish—5.35 pounds total, 5th Place—Justin Klindt—5 fish—4.80 pounds total---Big Bass—Mikey Foley—4.95 pounds total.

Results from February 20, 2010, at Tradewinds Park
The weather was great and so was the fishing with 76 bass weighed in. The kids were also fortunate to have bass pro Kevin Thomas donate his time and conduct a clinic on fishing techniques. Kevin is a Miami Dade police officer who also fishes professionally on the FLW tour.  Gambler Lures assisted in getting Kevin to donate his time to us. The top five were very close with the results as follows. 1st place----Connor Porter—5 fish—9.95 pounds   2nd place—Garrett George—5 fish—8.60 pounds   3rd place---Cody Davis—5 fish—7.90 pounds  4th place---Matt Wieteha---5 fish---7.75 pounds   5th place---Justin Klindt—5 fish---7.65 pounds---Big Bass ---Cody Davis—2.90 pounds

2009 Bass Trail Facts
Biggest bass caught - Nick Rucinski 6.7 pounds
Heaviest five fish limit 12.15 pounds
Total number of bass weighed in 255
Total weight of all bass weighed in  352 pounds
Average weight per bass 1.38 pounds
Best tournament location Quiet Waters Park
Jr. Angler of the Year Cody Dolan of Loxahatchee
Tournament prize package Worth approximately $1,500
Biggest bass caught in the last 11 years 7.9 pounds at Tradewinds Park
Heaviest five fish limit caught in the last 11 years 17.57 pounds at Tradewinds Park

Fishing at Broward County Parks
Fishing can be excellent in our parks. All of the parks listed below can be a great place to take the family fishing. This year you may notice a lot of dead fish after the recent extended cold weather. Native fish such as large-mouth bass and native pan fish such as bluegill and crappie were not affected by the cold at all. Species that were killed off were Mayan cichlids, armored catfish and peacock bass. Being exotics from warmer climates, all these fish were unable to survive the sustained colder water temperatures. Although their numbers were greatly reduced, they had enough survive to repopulate the lakes given enough time.
 
You don't have a boat? No Problem! If you don't own a boat, you can still enjoy some great fishing in our park system. T.Y. Park, C.B. Smith Park, and Quiet Waters Park all rent boats that you can fish from for a minimal fee on weekends and holidays. You can fish from a pedal boat or a rowboat. You can do it by rowing or pedaling - the lakes are just the right size for this - or you can bring your own electric trolling motor and battery to use with a rowboat. It's a great way to get out and exercise with the added bonus of catching some nice fish at the same time. Call ahead for boat rental hours and availability or check out the individual park information.
 

Did you know there are many parks in Broward County that have great fishing areas? With fishing being the second most popular sport in the U.S., it's time you knew what Broward County Parks and Recreation has to offer. (Applicable licenses are required for those over age 16 and under age 65.)

The following information about Broward County Parks fishing comes from John Cimbaro, Biological Scientist III, of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The Plantation Heritage Fish Management Area (in Plantation Heritage Park) has fair to good bream (bluegill and red ear sunfish) fishing, good bass fishing, and good cat fishing.

There are three fish feeders on site, and near those feeders are the best locations to fish for the bream and catfish. Channel catfish are stocked annually (4,000 fish/year), and catfish up to 12.5 pounds have been caught at Heritage. The area is also very scenic. Fishing is allowed from the shore only, not from any of the rental boats. Because it is a Fish Management Area, there are other restrictions as well, such as only one pole per person-even with a cane pole, and you must have a valid fresh water fishing license if you are older than 16 or under age 65.

T.Y. Park is not good for bream fishing, but very good for bass fishing. The best fishing is from boats (boats are available for rent). C.B. Smith Park has fair bass with exotic spotted tilapia and a growing population of peacock bass present. There are boat rentals at the marina but lots of shoreline fishing places as well. Quiet Waters Park has good bass fishing, good shoreline access, and is a fairly scenic location to fish. Boats and food concessions are available at the Lakeview Marina. You may bring your own electric trolling motor for use on the rowboats. Fishing is permitted along any shore except at the Splash Adventure swimming beach and the Ski Rixen Lake.

For all-around fishing, a good setup is a #8 Aberdeen hook fished about three feet under a one-inch bobber. A small split shot near the hook will keep your bait down where the fish can spot it. Recommended baits include live worms, crickets, cut hot dogs, and dough balls. All these baits, especially the live worms, will catch most kinds of fish but are especially good for bream. Good lures for bream include tiny jigs, beetle spins, or spinners. For bass, use larger hooks (1/0 or larger). The best bass bait is live shiner. Good lures for bass include plastic worms (black works well most of the time), minnow imitating lures, and spinner baits. Good baits for catfish include chicken or beef liver and live worms (catfish rarely strike lures). Use 1/0 or larger hooks for catfish and fish on the bottom rather than using a bobber.

Fishing Line in Water Here is some information about other Broward County parks that have fishing areas:

  • Tree Tops Park: Fishing is allowed along lake banks.
  • Tradewinds Park: Has lots of shoreline fishing on both north and south sides of this park. Tradewinds is the best Broward County Park for catching peacock bass, which are becoming more abundant on the south side.
  • Deerfield Island: Primary locations are the marina and west of the picnic area on the Hillsboro Canal.
  • Delevoe Park: Fishing in the lake from shore only; no boat rentals.
  • Markham Park: Several lakes and access to the levy leading to the Everglades through Markham Park for great fishing as well. People also fish in the south and west canals that run along the two sides of the park.
  • Brian Piccolo Park: Along the back lake on the dock and west of the dock. No boats allowed.
  • West Lake Park: Fishing is allowed from boats out on the water in West Lake Park. A wide variety of salt water species can be caught in West Lake including snook, sheepshead, black drum, and mangrove snapper. In addition, fishing is allowed from all sides from the Sheridan Street bridge that crosses the lake and off the Fishing Trail boardwalk/fishing pier. Lastly, fishing is allowed from the South Trail into the Intracoastal waterway along the path that goes under the west side of the IIntracoastal bridge and continuing along the west side of the Intracoastal waterway. The boats in West Lake can't use fossil fuels (electric or self-propelled only).
  • Hollywood North Beach Park: Fishing is allowed off all the fishing piers on the east side of the Intracoastal waterway and from the park shorelines as well.

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