TROPHY CATCH
Florida recently launched a new website to better facilitate its Trophy Catch largemouth bass conservation program. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists are now marking Large Mouth Bass greater than 8 pounds with a dart tag for anglers who catch and release in Florida. There are three different ranks and two bonus categories for the chance to win prizes.
Anglers in The Lunker Club, who catch and release bass between 8-9.9 pounds, receive a $100 in gift cards, short sleeve T-shirt, and certificate and a decal. The Trophy Club for catches between 10 and 12.9 pounds, awards $150 in gift cards, T-shirt, certificate and decal. Then The Hall of Fame Club, for bass heavier than 13 pounds will award the angler with $500 fiberglass mount, a duffel bag and other apparel, a Glen Lau DVD, a certificate and a decal with $200 in gift cards!
Trophy Catch seasons runs from October 1 to September 30 each year. The biggest bass of the season wins a $3,000 championship ring from the American Outdoors Funds and if it happens to come from a major body of water in Osceola County, Experience Kissimmee will chip in $10,000 in cash! The current leader caught a 14 pound 9 ounce bass on Lake Kinsley in March. At the end of the season, one lucky registered angler will win a $40,000 Phoenix bass boat which is equipped with a power-pole.
With a dart tag that is inserted under the scales on the back of the fish is used for the state of Florida to evaluate the average catch and harvesting rates. Anglers who legally catch the 8 pound largemouth bass with a yellow dart tag, please call 850-363-6037, with all the information including, name, contact info, the tag number, where the fish was caught, the bass's length - girth and weight if available.Anglers are encouraged to follow the catch and release guidelines for these big bass and document the catch through photograph of the entire length of the bass on a scale with the weight clearly legible.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is working hard to improve the Bass Fishing for everyone who supports ecological, social and conservational values to ensure that Florida is the "Bass Fishing Capital of the World."
Register for the angler recognition program because your trophy is swimming!
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