JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) Central Region fisheries biologists initiated a largemouth bass tagging project at the Ross Barnett Reservoir. According to researchers, they want to better understand the movement, growth and survival of caught fish.
The study focuses on tracking larger bass, those measuring more than 19 inches, that are caught and weighed in during fishing tournaments.
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Each fish was tagged with an orange T-bar tag labeled MDWFP #0000 near the dorsal fin before being released back into the reservoir. Biologists collected data at the time of tagging, including length, weight and tag number. Upon recapture, this information will be recorded again, along with the general location where the fish was caught.
To date, more than 200 largemouth bass have been tagged and released, including several fish weighing more than nine pounds and numerous bass in the six- to seven-pound range. As of March 16, 2026, MDWFP officials said five recaptures have been documented, including two by non-tournament anglers and three during tournament events.
MDWFP encouraged anglers to assist with this research by reporting any tagged bass caught outside of tournament events. Anglers are asked to text the tag number, general capture location, a clear photograph of the tag and whether the fish was released or harvested to 601-691-4874…