TrophyCatch is a project focused on turning everyday anglers into citizen-scientists! People across the state of Florida are invited to participate.
It all starts with going fishing for an 8+ lbs. largemouth bass and taking photo or video documentation of the entire bass, on a scale with the weight showing. Then, the fish must be released so that it can be caught another day.
This data influences FWC research projects such as genetic studies, the ecological health of Florida’s fresh waterbodies, and the proper way to handle a trophy-sized bass causing minimal stress.
TrophyCatch data will continue to play a key role in management decisions.
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TrophyCatch anglers are rewarded for providing this extremely valuable data by the program’s conservation partners, including Bass Pro Shops. Bass Pro Shops provides prizes for fish approved into the program.
Thanks to Bass Pro Shops, each season ends with a random drawing for a brand-new Phoenix Bass Boat that is powered by Mercury, guided by Lowrance and anchored by Power-Pole.
To include your name in the random boat drawing, simply register for free at TrophyCatch.com, and for every approved TrophyCatch fish, anglers receive an additional ten entries. However, submitting a catch is not necessary to win the boat!
The concept for the TrophyCatch program emerged from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Black Bass Management Plan. Subsequent round table discussions with the fishing industry community further shaped the project.
This conversation included anglers, guides, bait and tackle companies, fishing retailers, as well as fisheries management and research biologists. Although TrophyCatch is managed by the FWC, it is the anglers just like you and conservation partners who really make it successful.
The main goals of the TrophyCatch program are (1) to encourage catch-and-release of these largest and most valuable bass, (2) promote Florida’s freshwater fishing by collaboration with anglers, fishing-related businesses and local communities, and (3) at the same time create citizen-scientists of our anglers, helping FWC better enhance, conserve, and promote trophy bass fishing. Anyone in Florida can participate, whether you live here or are visiting!
Right now, through September 30 (the end of the current TrophyCatch Season 12), TrophyCatch has a special project in play. Specially selected bass in five waters across Florida have been tagged with conspicuous pink tags.
If you catch one, clip and save the tag and then document the catch according to TrophyCatch requirements (see below), and then submit your fish for extra rewards! Even if you don’t catch a pink-tagged bass, any TrophyCatch approved from these five waters puts you in a drawing for an extra “Pink Tag Chaser” reward: a pair of Bajío sunglasses.
Get a photo of your catch from “scale to tail,” making sure the weight reading is readable in the photo or video. A length measurement is also recommended.
The only hard part is catching the bass! For best handling practices to both take care of your fish and safely release it alive and healthy, see the program’s related TrophyCare page.
Document your 8 lbs. or heavier bass catch by photographing or videoing the fish from “scale to tail,” making sure that the weight on the scale is clearly readable in the photo or video before you release your bass.
Then, submit your catch information at TrophyCatch.com for great prizes from industry conservation partners.
Your story could be shared, plus your data will contribute to the future of Florida bass fishing for generations to come.
Document, release, and submit your catch at TrophyCatch.com to contribute to Florida bass conservation and earn great prizes!
