FWC’s TrophyCatch Program Ends Season 8, Anglers Caught and Released 97,500 Pounds of Bass
By Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission // November 17, 2020
22 Hall of Fame largemouth bass were caught
(FWC) – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s TrophyCatch program has ended another successful season.
The TrophyCatch team was thrilled to recognize and award the anglers who submitted 22 Hall of Fame largemouth bass that were caught, documented and released back into Florida’s waters.
Of those fish, 14 received additional prizing from Bass Pro Shops – a $50 gift card — for submitting a photo of the length of the catch.
Furthermore, Rodman Reservoir had 157 approved trophy bass, making it the top producing water body of the season.
TrophyCatch has awarded prizes for the catch and release of more than 10,000 largemouth bass since the program began in 2012. Thus far, 8,530 Lunker Club, 2,086 Trophy Club and 89 Hall of Fame fish have contributed to this landmark.
TrophyCatch anglers have collectively caught and released over 97,500 pounds of bass.
Other wins for TrophyCatch this season include seven Hall of Fame bass coming from Hillsborough County. Prior to this season, this county had contributed only one other Hall of Fame fish.
Additionally, three Hall of Fame fish came from historic Orange Lake in Marion County, which is now in its fishing prime following a natural drawdown in 2011 and subsequent habitat enhancement actions.
“We want to thank Bass Pro Shops and all of our partners and anglers for their commitment to the future of bass conservation,” said Tom Graef, director of the FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management.
“The data we receive from TrophyCatch is crucial in making management decisions and will continue to do so. Florida anglers must remain a part of our research team for us to continue being the Bass Fishing Capital of the World.”
