Lake Apopka Fishing in Orange County, Florida
Clermont East Area

Don't Eat What You Catch!!!!! Male Alligators in Lake Apopka have experienced a reduction in phallus size 33 to 50 percent smaller than average, their blood tests revealed reduced hormone levels which were estrogen dominant. Their female counterparts displayed extremely high estrogen levels and abnormal ovaries. Red-Eared Turtles from the same lake have failed to produce any normal male hatchlings, and a large percentage of female hatchlings were born with abnormal ovaries or have intersexed genitals (appear male or are structurally abnormal.) Scientists are having difficultly pinpointing the cause for these mutations because, "Lake Apopka is a big chemical soup," according to researcher Michael Fry a bird specialist form the University of California. Yet despite this history of contamination Lake Apopka is promoted as a prime fishing destination by local industry.