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Photos of 24 inch fish on a measuring board are sufficient for entering the fish the 8-plus pound Lunker Class. (Lunker Photo illustration) -
All Legend and Elite Class entries must be accompanied by photo documentation showing the fish a digital scale with the reading visible. (Lunker Photo illustration)
Texas Parks and Wildlife launched its 37th Toyota ShareLunker season on January 1. Around since 1986, ShareLunker is the most high profile public outreach and recognition program run by the state agency. It is intended to shine the spotlight on the state’s world class reservoirs, enhance Texas fisheries and recognize successful anglers.
At the heart of the program are heavyweight Texas bass. Anglers who catch bass over eight pounds or 24 inches throughout the year can enter their catch in a number categories, earn some neat prizes and become eligible to win a $5,000 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shops and an annual fishing license given away by random drawing.
Levels of participation include: * Legacy Class: Top tier bass weighing 13 pounds or more that are caught January 1 to March 31 and loaned to the department for selective breeding in hatchery raceways. Must weighed on certified scales.
* Legend Class: Fish 13 pounds or more, not loaned to TPWD or caught outside the collection season. Photos on a digital scale required.
* Elite Class: Fish 10 plus pounds. Photo on a digital scale required.
* Lunker Class: Fish weighing at least eight pounds or 24 inches in length. Photos on a digital scale or measuring board required.
All Legacy Class entries receive a free fiberglass replica of their fish, a catch kit filled with merchandise, a Legacy decal and VIP access to the to the Toyota ShareLunker Annual Awards event. These anglers also receive entries into two separate drawings for Bass Pro Shops gift certificates and annual fishing licenses.
To enter a Legacy fish, make sure it has sufficient aeration, handle it as little as possible and contact Toyota ShareLunker (903 681-0550) immediately, 24/7. Fish in the other categories can be entered using the Toyota ShareLunker mobile app – available for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play – or on the Toyota Share-Lunker online app at TexasSharelunker.com. Anglers are encouraged to provide a DNA scale sample from their lunker bass to TPWD researchers for genetic analysis.
For full details the program, check out texassharelunker. com.