The state recently launched a new website to better facilitate its TrophyCatch largemouth bass conservation program.
The Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) program is an incentive-based conservation program designed for anglers who catch and release largemouths heavier than 8 pounds in Florida. There are three different tiers and two bonus categories offering the opportunity to win prizes.
Anglers in The Lunker Club, who catch and release bass between 8 and 9.9 pounds, receive $100 in gift cards, a short-sleeve T-shirt, a certificate and a decal. The Trophy Club, for catches between 10 and 12.9 pounds, awards $150 in gift cards, a long-sleeve T-shirt, a certificate and a decal. The Hall of Fame Club, for bass heavier than 13 pounds, awards a $500 fiberglass mount, $200 in gift cards, a duffel bag, hoodie and other apparel, a Glen Lau DVD, a certificate and a decal.
The biggest bass of the season wins a $3,000 championship ring from the American Outdoors Fund, and if it happens to come from a major water body in Osceola County, Experience Kissimmee chips in $10,000 in cash. The current leader is J. Morrell, with a 14-pound, 9-ounce bass caught and released on Lake Kingsley last March.
One lucky registered angler will win a $40,000 Phoenix bass boat, powered by Mercury Marine and equipped with a Power-Pole. Besides getting a chance at the boat just for registering, every verified catch provides 10 extra chances for the drawing, which is conducted at the end of the season. TrophyCatch seasons run from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 each year.
For information on how to properly document catches of largemouth bass for the program as well as additional information necessary to take part, go to the new website trophycatchflorida.com.
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