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Electrofishing is 'safest' way to catch fish, FWC says

Fishing with machine only legal for FWC purposes

Many people flock to Central Florida every year and don't go near an amusement park. Instead of Mickey and Goofy, they hang out with largemouth bass and speckled perch.

The people in charge of keeping local water stocked with these fish use a machine to catch them.

It's called electrofishing and Florida Fish and Wildlife says it's the safest way to catch fish.

Andrew Schaefer, a biologist with Florida Fish and Wildlife says about using nets, "That's a lot more stressful, they fight in the nets and it rubs their scales."

Here's how electrofishing works: Schaefer and his partner Steve Kramer use a boat with a generator on board. They power up the generator and send about 600 volts of electricity through to metal antennae which reach into the water. Kramer says you have to be careful.

"If you put your hand in the water, you'll get a good zap," he said.

Local 6 watched as the two biologists trolled the water. As they cruised along, fish of all shapes and sizes would float to the top of the water. Kramer drove the boat, while Schaefer used a net to catch the fish.

"He's a good dipper. You need a good dipper because a lot of these fish are partially zapped," Kramer said.

FWC says it's all for the greater good. The biologists check the size and markings on the fish, then toss them back into the water. The little guys take off quickly, while some of the bigger ones take a few moments to shake off the cobwebs.

However, this is only legal if you work for FWC. Someone caught electrofishing for their own purposes could face a second-degree misdemeanor charge and face a $500 fine and/or 60 days in jail.


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