New public freshwater fishing opportunity!

Bass stocking completes new public freshwater fishing opportunity in Ft. Pierce

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation commission (FWC), in partnership with the Treasure Coast Research and Development Authority, is pleased to announce the stocking of 700 Florida largemouth bass fingerlings into the 7-acre pond at the St. Lucie County Treasure Coast Research Park which was completed March 30.

“The addition of the bass today, along with the 3,500 bluegill and redear sunfish previously stocked in November, will establish a balanced fish population at the pond,” said John Cimbaro, FWC fisheries biologist. “The previous stocking of sunfish have grown to a catchable size and the bass fingerlings released today will be ready to catch in about a year. It’s been a pleasure working with Treasure Coast Research Park to provide both a recreational and educational opportunity on-site.”

The sunfish will provide food for the bass, while the bass will prevent the sunfish from overpopulating, which can sometimes result in the sunfish growing too slowly.  Sunfish will reach a weight of about 1 pound, while bass may grow as fast as a pound a year to a trophy size of 8 pounds or more. An established fish population will also benefit local wildlife, such as herons and egrets.

The lake, and the aquatic community it supports, currently serves as an outdoor classroom for students at Westwood High School.

Located in Ft. Pierce, the lake is adjacent to S. King’s Highway and is accessed from Research Center Road.