I can't believe they will even accept 8 pounders ! This is BS!

OMG! I haver seen so much crying in all my life and so many grown [censored] men that can't read.


Outside of the spawning window, the new year-round participation season will allow for anglers catching bass 8 pounds or larger to submit information about their catch through a web application in four categories: 8 pounds or larger, 10 pounds or larger, 13 pounds or larger and 13 pounds or larger with a spawning donation.

I like the changes.

Next year the snowflakes will probably be able to get their 5 pound "trophies" posted on the interwebs so they feel like they accomplished something

They aren't doing it to make people feel special, they are doing it to give people an incentive to report their catch information so they can have more data to make their program better. Your argument was based on false information to begin with and now you are doubling down on the nonsense. Next time try something like this: "Oh, I see... I didn't quite understand the new program initially. Makes good sense now. It would be awesome if they could figure out a way to make the states fisheries better."

A little positivity makes life a lot better gents.

Or they could just focus on stockings at the right time when the lakes have adequate water instead of feeding the white bass. Mother nature will do the rest

Or, they could do both (which they are doing). By the way, the whole 'TPWD doesn't know when and how to stock fish' thinking is getting old, and easily debunked as I have found out. Call your local fisheries biologist to get explanations.

from the entery criteria page of the sharelunker site

Entry Criteria
A largemouth bass legally caught in Texas waters using a hook, pole-and-line method (passive gears such as trotlines, setlines, jug lines, nets, etc. are not legal methods for catching bass and are therefore excluded).
Bass is at least 24 inches in length or 8 lbs in total weight (bass must be weighed on a digital scale).
For spawning donations, the fish must be alive and in good health in order to be transported to the hatchery. If TPWD makes the decision to not accept the fish for spawning although the fish is alive, the angler will still be eligible for entry into the Program.
Anglers must submit Photo 1 or Photo 2 as described below. Photo 3 is optional, and all three may be submitted.

Photo 1: Rigid measuring board and fish properly measured. The entire measuring board, length numbers and the bass (head to tail) must be visible, readable, and without interference. (Photo 1 with visual example) If only length provided, fish is placed in 8+lb category.
Photo 2: Digital scale and fish being properly weighed. The entire digital scale, numbers, and bass (head to tail) must be visible, readable, and without interference. (Photo 2 with visual example) Weight data field and photo documentation are required for fish to be placed in 10+lb and 13+lb categories. To be included in the 13+lb category, certified scales must be used; scale owner�s name and certification date data fields are required.
Photo 3: Angler appropriately holding Lunker Bass, 8lbs+. Appropriately means using both hands to hold the bass horizontally, with one hand firmly gripping the bass�s lower jaw and the other hand supporting its belly, just behind the anal fin. (Photo 3 with visual example)
To be eligible for program entry without documentation of Photo 1 or 2 requirements above, anglers can submit an entry by satisfying one of the below alternative requirements:

URL link to official tournament, newspaper, magazine or website published results. Link must include angler�s name, date and location of the event, and the individual fish�s certified weight (Insert in Angler Comments box).
A photo copy of an official tournament weigh-in slip. The photo copy must include angler�s name, date and location of the event, and the individual fish�s weight or length. (Insert in Photo 1 or Photo 2 picture box).
A photo copy of an official certificate of the TPWD Angler Recognition Program. The certificate must show the certified weight or official length of the bass, as well as angler�s name and date the fish was caught. Certificate must be dated within the current ShareLunker year. (Insert in Photo 1 or Photo 2 picture box).
All entries will be reviewed before confirming acceptance. If an entry does not satisfy the minimum criteria, photo requirements, weight/length is not clearly readable, the entire fish is not pictured, or the entry appears questionable in terms of fish size, date caught, location caught, or catch method TPWD may deny the entry.



Genetic Sample
Please complete the following procedures in order to provide fish scale samples for Genetic Analysis.

Remove or obtain 3 scales from the fish using a clean tool (e.g., fingernail, forceps, etc.) or from a clean surface (e.g., net, measuring board, etc.). Rinse (lake water is fine) and/or wipe down (alcohol wipes) the tools or surface between fish to prevent cross contamination (avoid any visible mucus or tissue from previous fish).
Press the scales between sections of clean paper towel (or other absorbent surface) to thoroughly dry (discard these paper towel sections � do not re-use or use for storage).
Place the dried scales between a new/clean section of paper towel and drop into a small envelope (e.g., coin envelope) (try to prevent clumping of the scales to allow for further air drying). Do not store in plastic bags.
Write your name and your submission number (from the app) on the envelope.
Store the envelope in dry conditions to prevent degradation and/or fungal growth (e.g., room temperature in an air conditioned room).
Place in business/mailing envelope and send to:
Attn: Genetics Lab
505 Staples Rd.

San Marcos, TX 78666

entery criteria

I feel the changes are good and will help provide more data and information to the TPWD. which hopefully will be passed back to us. Plus the Lunker class you only need a measuring board and or a digital scale to qualify for that class, your not going to have to call out TPWD or take the fish to a certified scale for the lunker class which will be the fish most effected by these changes.

You're asking for a lot Josh.

all of yall trying to tell others how to do their jobs is a Texas joke...

You know providing factual information on this website never got anybody anywhere right? The biologist of the forum have spoken. These are literally the smartest people in the world....