Florida Launched 15th TrophyCatch Fishing Season

The state's citizen-science bass fishing program has returned with new prize incentives for anglers.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Fishing

Bold vector editorial illustration of a largemouth bass fin surfacing in a dark, cypress-lined Florida marsh. — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has opened the 15th season of its TrophyCatch program, a citizen-science initiative tracking largemouth bass populations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has officially opened the 15th season of the TrophyCatch program. This initiative encourages anglers to document large bass to assist in fisheries management.

Why it matters

The program leverages citizen science to track growth rates, habitat health, and population sizes for Florida's largemouth bass fishery. These data points are essential for the ongoing management of the state's natural resources.

Anglers must catch and release bass weighing at least eight pounds to participate. Special prize packages are awarded to the first individuals to log 15 approved catches or submit a single bass weighing 15 pounds or more.

The players

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

This state agency is responsible for managing Florida's fish and wildlife resources through conservation and scientific initiatives.

AFTCO

This company is a prominent manufacturer of professional-grade fishing apparel and tackle that serves as an industry partner for the program.

Lowrance

This entity is a well-known producer of marine electronics and sonar systems used by recreational and competitive anglers.

Bajío

This brand specializes in high-performance polarized eyewear designed specifically for the needs of fishermen.

The details

Participants document their catches by submitting photos and weight records through the official TrophyCatch website. The program partners with industry leaders including AFTCO, Lowrance, and Bajío to provide rewards for verified submissions.

Season 15 of TrophyCatch officially began on Oct. 1, 2026.
The 15th season is scheduled to conclude on Sept. 30, 2027.

Roadmap

The TrophyCatch program represents a shift in modern wildlife management by integrating recreational angler participation into official state research. This model positions Florida as a leader in utilizing private-public partnerships to maintain sustainable and high-quality inland fisheries.

Anglers are encouraged to adopt specific catch-and-release practices to ensure their bass remains eligible for program verification. By participating, fishermen directly contribute to the scientific records used to sustain the local bass fishery for future seasons.

The takeaway

Maintaining accurate records of large bass is critical for the long-term health of Florida's freshwater ecosystems. Anglers can maximize their impact by ensuring their photos clearly display the weight and scale of their catch before release.