The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ShareLunker program is set to begin on Oct. 1.
This marks the 30th season for the program.
Anyone legally catching a 13-pound or bigger largemouth bass from Texas waters, public or private, between Oct. 1 and April 30, 2016, may submit the fish to ShareLunker.
TPWD will pick up fish within 12 hours of capture.
ShareLunker entries are pure Florida largemouth bass used in a selective breeding program at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens.
Offspring from ShareLunkers that spawn are stocked into each water body that produces an entry during the season.
Some may be used for research, and others retained by the hatchery system as future brooders.
Anglers entering fish into the ShareLunker receive a free replica of their fish, a certificate, clothing and they are recognized at a banquet at the TFFC.
The person who catches the season’s largest entry will be named Angler of the Year and receive a new rod, reel, line and G. Loomis brand hat.
ShareLunker catches may be reported 24 hours per day, seven days per week during the season.
Call 1-903-681-0550 or 888-784-0600 to report your catch. The lines are constantly monitored. For more, read the mid-week Bowie News.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s ShareLunker program begins on Oct. 1. (Courtesy photo from the TPWD)