Fishing at Gator Lakes resumes

  • Published
  • By Amy Oliver
  • 1st SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Dust off your fishing poles and crank up the boat. Gator Lakes is open for fishing.

After eight months of being closed for safety concerns following a drowning accident, new policies have been approved for those waiting to cast a line into the golf course lake.

"After a review of safety procedures and a risk analysis, the lake is back open for fishing," said Col. Mike Smietana, 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group commander. "The risk assessment indicated that while the accident was unfortunate, it was not caused by alligators, or inadequate or unsafe equipment. It was probably a result of the individual taking an undue risk while in the boat and not wearing a personal flotation device."

Although alligators pose a potential risk to fishermen, they were not a factor in the drowning of the Hurlburt Airman. Alligator warning signs are already posted and fishing from the shoreline is still prohibited.

The re-opening of Gator Lakes has been eagerly awaited by many fishermen in the Hurlburt Field community.

"Gator Lakes is unique because it's unusual to be able to fish on a golf course lake," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Tommy Downey, who has fished on Gator Lakes since the mid 1980s. "The lake is full of all kinds of fish such as brim, crappie, bass and alligator gar, and there's other wildlife to see while you're out there."

Besides existing as a natural attraction, Gator Lakes serves as the primary source of irrigation for the golf course and as a freshwater wash for helicopters. If reasonable precautionary measures are followed, people fishing should not face unforeseen hazards.

People electing to fish are directed to follow all posted warnings and normal boating safety requirements.

"We want people to have access to a wonderful recreational opportunity on Hurlburt Field," Colonel Smietana said. "The fishing is great on Gator Lakes. We also want people to be safe and not take unnecessary risks. By following these rules, we think we can achieve both."

GATOR LAKES REGULATIONS:
- Hours of operation are one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset
- No fishing from the shoreline
- Must be 18 years or older to fish, or be accompanied by an adult
- Motor size is limited to trolling motors
- Boaters must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device
- Current Florida fishing license and Eglin reservation fishing permits are required
- Do not feed alligators
- Watch for snakes