LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has completed a major milestone in the inaugural year of its Legacy Lunker Program, returning 18 trophy-sized largemouth bass to their home lakes after months of care and spawning efforts.
The double-digit bass, donated by Arkansas anglers between January and March, were housed at the renovated Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery in Lonoke. While there, the fish were paired with specially selected Titan Maxx Florida bass from Georgia to help produce future generations of trophy bass for Arkansas waters.
“It’s just a really cool program,” Jeremy Risley, AGFC Black Bass Program Coordinator, said. “We’re taking female fish that are proven to grow to trophy size in Arkansas waters and matching them up with males that have the markers to create trophy offspring. By working with Red Hills, we’re cutting years off the development of our trophy bass genetics program.”
According to AGFC officials, 14 of the 18 anglers who donated fish were present when the bass were released back into the exact locations where they were originally caught.
“Most people get a once-in-a-lifetime experience to catch a double-digit fish, but returning that fish is an even better feeling,” said angler Brady Smith. “I get to see her again for one more look before she swims away.”
Program Coordinator Will Lancett said the fish were monitored daily and treated for any health issues during their stay. About half of the bass gained weight before being returned to the wild…