Wildlife officials begin restocking Banks Lake

LAKELAND - Wildlife officials have begun restocking Banks Lake, where a large fish kill occurred last fall. <br> <br> The operation by state Wildlife Resources Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services started Tuesday as biologists began releasing about 355,000 bluegill sunfish fingerlings into the lake. <br> <br> Most of the fish were released toward the middle of the lake and in as many locations as possible to ensure their survival. Wildlife Resources Division biologist Mike Geihsler estimated that about 10 percent of the fish will survive to be caught by fisherman, depending on how many different predator fish, such as bass, pike, garfish and mudfish, are in the lake. <br> <br> By July, the surviving bluegills will be ready to spawn on their own, Geihsler said. The reason for restocking is to get spawners going again. <br> <br> Another restocking is planned for the latter part of spring, when Geihsler said from 25,000-50,000 largemouth bass will be released.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/2/198568