Anybody hear of this or is registered? I think all states should do this maybe they do I didn't do any research on it.
Basically the program rewards your for catching and releasing fish from 8 to 13lbs. In order to qualify you need to be registered to the website and document the catch with pictures or videos (weight, length, girth, and proof of release). They have 3 different categories
1. Lunker 8lbs to 9.9lbs
2. Trophy 10 to 12.9lbs
3. Hall of Fame 13+ lbs (FWC needs to come out and confirm the fish and it must be alive)
Prizes:
... LUNKER
Requirements: Photo documentation of bass-on-scale and ruler + TrophyCatch application + Bass must be released.
Competition: Year-round. Begins October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013.
Reward: Customized Bass King T-shirt + Discounts for Fish Photo Replicas and other prizes + Entered into drawings for gift cards from Bass Pro Shops and Dick's Sporting Goods + TrophyCatch certificate + Exclusive TrophyCatch Lunker Club window decal.
... TROPHY
Requirements: Same as Lunker Club requirements (above).
Competition: Year-round. Begins October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013.
Reward: $100 worth of gift cards (Bass Pro Shops, Dick's Sporting Goods, and/or Rapala) + Long-sleeved Bass King shirt + Discounts for Fish Photo Replicas and other prizes + Entered into a drawing for fishing trips + TrophyCatch certificate + Exclusive TrophyCatch Trophy Club window decal.
... HALL OF FAME
Requirements: Same as Lunker Club requirements (above) + Weight will be verified on certified scale by FWC employee.
Competition: Seasonal during cooler months. Begins October 1, 2012 through April 30, 2013.
Note: Hall of Fame Club fish will only be accepted between Oct. 1 and April 30 and must be certified by an FWC employee prior to release. Bass 13 pounds and greater caught outside of the Hall of Fame season (May through Sep.) will be accepted into and receive incentives for Trophy Club level fish. This is to reduce handling stress during the hotter months, obtain precise documentation of these fish and ensure their release.
Reward: Free fiberglass replica mount ($500 value) + Gift cards worth $150 (Bass Pro Shops, Dick's Sporting Goods and Rapala) + Custom rod from Pro Line with US Reel bait caster + Bass King duffle bag with customized hoody, shirt, hat + A Glen Lau DVD + Honored at annual TrophyCatch banquet + Name entered into Florida Bass Hall of Fame at Florida Bass Conservation Center + Entered into drawing for fishing trip with Peter Miller (Bass2Billfish) + TrophyCatch certificate + Exclusive TrophyCatch Hall of Fame Club window decal + Additional prizing to be determined.
What are your feelings on this? I can't see anything negative and I feel that the prizes they give you are well worth it.
Everyone always preaches catch and release and I am a follower of that it's great to see Florida recognizing and rewarding us who are fortunate enough to catch a fish of that size and doing the right thing by releasing it.
Here is the website...
http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/florida/big-catch
Go out catch your big fish get your reward and post let us all see it.
