Introduction

Tenoroc Fish Management Area is a 6,000 acre tract of land that was mined for phosphates until the mid 1970's. It is located 2 miles northeast of Lakeland, Florida in an area that is typical of Polk County. Numerous phosphate mines existed in the county which created thousands of acres of lakes or "phosphate pits" that remained after the mining operations were completed.

The numerous phosphate pits support outstanding sport fisheries for largemouth bass and panfish. Unfortunately, most of such areas are privately controlled and are off-limits to the general public. In 1982, Borden Inc. donated this property to the state of Florida. It contained approximately a thousand acres of lakes and provided the state with a unique challenge to develop recreational activities on this disturbed site. Of those activities considered, public fishing was the primary use requested by the local residents.

In 1983, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists began to evaluate the fisheries at Tenoroc by developing a fish management plan that was grounded in extensive research studies. The research was directed at testing a variety of restrictive harvest regulations on largemouth bass in an attempt to maintain high quality fishing success. The studies yielded important information to biologists that now directly benefit anglers.

Tenoroc offers additional recreational uses including small game hunting, target shooting, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and wildlife observation. Other opportunities such as aquatic and environmental education programs are being developed.