GRANDE LAKES ORLANDO INVITES GUESTS

Grande Lakes Orlando is reeling in novice and expert fishers alike with the launch of its catch and release program at Shingle Pond. Surrounded by the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, Shingle Pond sits on the most remote section of Grande Lakes and serves as the base for fishing excursions at the 500-acre resort, comprised of The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott hotels. In addition to its fishing opportunities from the shore and guided excursions to the private waters of Shingle Pond, the resort is now offering guests an interactive fishing experience.

As part of a collaboration with the Florida Wildlife Commission, Grande Lakes Orlando's catch and release program has transformed a typical day of fishing into a research adventure to determine why certain types of largemouth bass grow faster than others. The property's lakes have been stocked with 1,000 bass that have been implanted with a coated micro-wire tag that helps detect when they are caught. The goal of the catch and release expedition is for guests to reel in one of these fish and have the chance to assist in the measuring, data recording, and releasing of the fish back in the lakes. The recorded data is used in research by the Florida Bass Conservation Center to assess the role of parental genetics in the growth rates of largemouth bass.

"We are thrilled to provide a hands-on experience that takes the fishing experience to another level," said Nathan Stith, who oversees Grande Lakes Adventure Experiences as Director of Golf at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando. "We've turned fishing into a fun game for our guests yet at the same time they have the opportunity to contribute to a greater research initiative."

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