Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chilton County updates Lake Manuka fishing rules, approves free fishing weekend for children
Summary
Commissioners approved a free fishing weekend for children and removed a catch-and-release policy at Lake Manuka, adopting new size limits and a check-in requirement; the park director may reinstate catch-and-release if needed.
The Chilton County Commission voted to authorize a free fishing weekend at Lake Manuka for children 12 and under and to change the lake's fisheries rules.
Commissioner Perkins moved to approve a free fishing weekend in August for children 12 and under; the motion passed unanimously. Perkins also moved to remove the existing catch-and-release policy and to update the park operations manual with new harvest rules. The adopted language permits harvest of largemouth bass under 14 inches ("Anglers may harvest largemouth bass under 14 inches in length. Any bass over 14 inches must be returned to the lake.") and allows harvest of catfish over 12 inches. The new rules require anglers to record their catch at the check-in/check-out gate or general store before leaving the park. The park director is authorized to initiate catch-and-release or adjust creel limits if needed.
Commissioners approved the motions and suspended rules to take immediate effect for the upcoming free weekend. The motions did not specify the exact August date for the free fishing weekend in the text of the minutes; commissioners indicated the free weekend would be in August but did not provide a calendar day during the Aug. 12 meeting.
