Ocean Lakes

Don’t be alarmed if you see bubbles coming to the surface of Sandlapper Lake. The bubbles, which you have to look closely to see in the massive lake, represent the first step in a long-term process that Ocean Lakes is taking to help improve the fishing opportunities in the campground. But how will bubbles help fishing? The bubbles are coming from an air system that has been installed at the bottom of the lake to increase oxygen levels in the water, which should help create a better environment for fish to live and reproduce – and end up on your hook. “Any increase in dissolved oxygen will help the fish survive better,” said Jeff Wilson, Ocean Lakes Horticulturist/Grounds Manager. First of several steps The air system is the first of several steps Ocean Lakes will be taking over the next year to improve the fishing offerings in our lakes. Look closely at Magnolia Lake and you can see a stream of bubbles coming from a recently installed air-based line...

You have the right bait and the right spot by one of our lakes, but the big fish just aren’t biting. You can’t figure out why. Neither could we. So we’ve brought in experts to find out why and help us improve the very popular fishing culture at Ocean Lakes. For years, Ocean Lakes has stocked the lakes in the campground with carp, bream, bass and other fish that folks love to reel in. But the stocking efforts haven’t produced the desired long-lasting results. So before stocking again with the same disappointing results, Ocean Lakes has hired experts to compile the first thorough assessment of the ponds in the campground’s 40-plus year history. That baseline data will provide more info for officials to create a plan to improve fishing that caters to each pond’s unique environment. “Why spend money over and over [stocking the ponds] when it’s not working,” said Jeff Wilson, the Landscape Manager at Ocean Lakes. “Let’s solve the problem first.” The Smart Group, a...