I was wondering if there was any programs out there that you could donate caught fish, like there is for hunters who want to donate some or all of their meat, to needy families?

I've thought about starting something like that to also help manage lakes. The more I thought about it, the tougher the logistics got for doing it on a very benefitial level.

It seems the simplest thing I could come up with would be to have a person that weighs in fish in a tournament have a choice to donate their fish to "fish for food" or whatever you would want to call the organization. Clear it with TPWD to retain those fish. Have people donate their time to clean them, and get them to a food bank or shelter that would be able to freeze / use them quickly.

great idea!!! after a full year of doing this.. fishing should improve... NOT!

The idea is good, but there are just a few places in every plan where things could get hung up or difficult.

Actually it would help certain lakes. Definately could harm other lakes, but hopefully people doing it would know a little about lake management. Like I said, there are issues with something like this.

I would be willing to bet your left nut that there are more fish in the water then there are wild game available to hunt, but yet hunters have been able to make the program work and not reduce their available take. I would imagine in your premium elitist world, giving one fish away to a hungry family takes away from your recreational activities. Good luck to you!

Take your fish and give them away. I doubt you could organize it without running into TPWD resistance but on an individual basis there probably is no problem with it. Go for it.

It would be a great idea for removing unwanted or over populated species.

God Forbid someone worry more about hungry people than worry about how many fish are in a lake.

back in the lake?

If it was a event for some other fish, but not bass.

Right, because we all know that bass are illegal to keep or eat. And they taste horrible anyways. And they will give you swine flu if you hold them very long before releasing them.