How to Report Florida Trophy Bass Catches for Rewards

My grandfather encouraged my love of freshwater fishing when I was knee-high to a grasshopper. That said, I suppose it makes perfect sense that my passion for the sport led me to learn more about an incentive-based Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission program that launched in October of 2012 known as the TrophyCatch program.

What is the TrophyCatch Program?

The Florida TrophyCatch program promotes citizen science in order to enhance our freshwater fisheries and generate excitement with regard to the outstanding bass fishing opportunities we have throughout our state. Through the program, anglers are encouraged to report and document Florida trophy bass catches of over eight pounds for rewards.

Since Florida anglers spend over 24 million recreational fishing days on fresh water, the amount of data being gathered from this program can be a huge contributor to more effectively promoting and managing our state’s natural resources.

Who Supports the Program?

Among the sponsors making the TrophyCatch program possible are:  Bass Pro Shops, USFWS Sportfish Restoration Program, Phoenix Boats, Mercury Marine, American Outdoors Fund, Rapala, Power-Pole, SpiderWire, Glen Lau, New Wave Taxidermy, Under the Bridge Productions, ODUMagazine, Navionics, The American Registry, Fitzgerald Rods, and the Sport Fish Restoration Program.

Helping to contribute data on our state’s freshwater fisheries and the feelings of accomplishment that come with landing a Florida trophy bass over eight pounds are pretty good rewards. However, if a few added incentives help, you can earn gift cards from Bass Pro Shops or Rapala, SpiderWire braided fishing line, a discount from Fitzgerald Rods, a TrophyCatch Certificate, and extra entries in an annual drawing for a Phoenix bass boat. Get more details on prizes and sponsors by visiting the TrophyCatch website.

Where Can You Register?

You just never know when you might have a shot at catching the Florida trophy bass of a lifetime. Be sure you have a valid state freshwater fishing license, register for the TrophyCatch program, read the official program rules, and then get out on the water.