By MARK COOK

Later this month, Medard Park’s 770-acre reservoir between Plant City and Brandon will be closed for repair on the eroding dam wall.

In light of that fact, the FWCC has lifted on all bag limits and size restrictions for bass, panfish and speckled perch.

Those taking these fish must use a pole but cast netters can fish for tilapia and catfish.

The reservoir will be drained to 150 acres of water and biologists are expecting large fish kills do to the poor water quality when it is drained. Completion of the repairs is set for May 2010. When water levels return, the state will restock the reservoir.

A cool front is expected to reach our area by today or Tuesday and coupled with the full moon, anglers are excited about the possibilities. Bass catches have been good across our area and bedding bass usually start showing up as early as December.

Water temperature fluctuations are what start their reproduction process. Drops in water temperatures to the low 60s for periods followed by warm-ups to the mid-60s to 72 degrees is the real key that send the fish to the shallows looking for mates.

Richard Harcourt and his son Austin Tillman fished Teneroc last week and had an excellent day. The father-son duo caught 22 catfish, a good stringer of bluegill and released seven bass in the 2- to 3-pound range. Harcourt also mentioned water levels were higher than in the past, making for an easier launching of larger boats.