Leighton Powers is a WEC undergrad in his fourth year. He began working as a wildlife technician with FWC last fall. We spoke with him about his experiences with WEC, FWC, and his plans for the future.

Who do you work with?

I’ve worked in freshwater fisheries research with Travis Tuten and Christopher Anderson at FWC.

As far as my experience at UF with the fisheries department, I have simply taken courses under Dr. Cichra and Dr. Canfield. Their Intro to Fisheries course was my first class dealing with fish and remains one of my favorite courses thus far.

Credit Leighton Powers

What do you research?

Outside of UF, I currently have a seasonal job as a wildlife technician with FWC. The position is more specifically a Creel Clerk. I got the job last fall, during my first semester here at UF. I was recently hired again for the same position.

As a creel clerk, I gather exploitation data for two lakes here in Gainesville, Lochloosa and Newnans. I drive a 17 foot boat around the lakes interviewing anglers.

The survey includes the number of anglers, time of interview, start time of fishing, county of residence, and the species they are targeting.

After that information, I ask how many of each kind of fish they’ve caught in total, as well as how many they’ve harvested. Both lakes are managed for black crappie and this survey helps provide information to guide that management.

Otoliths (fish ear bones) used to age black crappie. Growth rings are counted in the same way as a tree. Photo credit Leighton Powers.

Is there a particular experience that stands out from your work?

Regarding my job as a creel clerk for FWC, I deal heavily with the human dimension aspect of management. I have learned countless lessons working with lots of different people. I have heard crazy complaints, humbling praises, unbelievable fish stories, and some of the best techniques to fill a cooler. Beyond all that, however, my work as a creel clerk has allowed me to connect with so many people I would otherwise never have a conversation with. I’ve learned everybody has a perspective that deserves to be heard, even if it doesn’t line up with the majority’s views.

Local fisherman with his black crappie fishing setup, called a “spider rig”. Photo credit Leighton Powers.

How has all of this influenced you?

Man, I can’t wait to finish school and get started with my career. Each new experience at UF and with FWC encourages me to keep pushing through classes. I look forward to hopefully working side-by-side with some of the same people that influenced my journey and inspired me along the way.

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If you’d like to learn more about UF WEC, click here. For more on opportunities at FWC, click here.

This interview is by Rhett Barker, and has been lightly edited for clarity.

Thanks to Leighton Powers for speaking with us.

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