http://www.state.tn.us/twra/

JF Griffin - Index

JF Griffin - magazine - Index

teNNessee aNGLer reCOGNItION PrOGram
The Tennessee Angler Recognition Program (TARP) gives anglers an opportunity to
have their trophy‑size fish recognized by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Anglers of any age, who catch large fish that meet or exceed qualifying lengths, can
apply. The TWRA Fisheries Management Division sends these accomplished anglers
TARP certificates featuring color reproductions of fish artwork by renowned wildlife
artist Joseph R. Tomelleri.
The program is designed to acknowledge anglers for outstanding sportfishing accomplishments,
to encourage catch and release of trophy size fish and to provide the TWRA with information on
large fish caught throughout the state.
Not to be confused with the State Record Fish program, TARP recognizes anglers who catch
trophy-size fish that are not necessarily state records.
tRoPHY fisH/MasteR aNgleR CeRtifiCates
TARP features four levels of angler recognition. Anglers catching a fish that meets or exceeds
the minimum “trophy” length requirements will receive a Trophy Fish certificate. These certificates
feature Tomelleri artwork representating the species caught by the applicant. After anglers submit five
trophy-size fish, in any combination, a Master Angler Level I certificate and patch will be awarded at
no cost to the angler. Anglers submitting five different trophy-size fish will receive a Master Angler
Level II certificate and patch. The Master Angler Level III will be awarded to anglers submitting
ten different trophy-size fish. In addition to a certificate and patch, the angler will receive a “tackle
package,” courtesy of Bass Pro Shops - Sevierville.
How Do You QualifY?
Ε The fish must meet or exceed the minimum Trophy Fish Length listed on the right of this page.
Ε Persons 13 years of age and older must be licensed anglers and must provide their license number
(TWRA #) on the application.
Ε The fish must be caught legally (in accordance with Tennessee Sportfishing Regulations) in
Tennessee waters, by sportfishing methods only (rod and reel or cane pole).
Ε The length of the fish must be verified by either a witness or a photograph. The witness must
complete the section on the application and/or the photo must be of the fish lying flat on top of
or beside a flat measuring rule or tape and included with the application. Be aware that photos
may be used on the TWRA web site and in TWRA publications.
If you believe your catch exceeds the current state record for that species, you should
immediately contact a TWRA Fisheries Biologist for positive identification of the fish and get
the appropriate application. (see page 46)
How Do You aPPlY?
An application form is located on the opposite page. Complete one application form for each
fish you are registering. You may include more than one application form per envelope. If the fish
length is being verified by photo, the picture must be enclosed with the application. For Trophy
Fish Certificate only, a $5.00
processing fee, per application,
must also be enclosed and
mailed within 60 days from the
date of catch. Make check or
money order payable to TWRA
and mail, with the application(s),
to the address at the bottom of
the application. The processing
fee is non-refundable for nonqualifying
applications. For
further information about
TARP or the State Record Fish
program, call 615-781-6575, or
visit www.tnwildlife.org.
MeasuRiNg YouR fisH
Please refer to the instructions
on page 14.
Minimum trophy fish lengths
species length (inches)
Largemouth Bass 22
Spotted Bass 18
Smallmouth Bass 20
Striped Bass 40
Cherokee Bass (Hybrid) 30
White Bass 18
Black Crappie 14
White Crappie 14
Bluegill 10
Redear Sunfish 11
Rock Bass 10
Sauger 20
Walleye 28
Muskellunge 40
Brook Trout 10
Brown Trout 26
Rainbow Trout 24
Lake Trout 28
Channel Catfish 30
Blue Catfish 34
Flathead Catfish 34
Common Carp 34
Freshwater Drum 28
tenneSSee FirSt
FiSh awarD
The First Fish Award is designed to
commemorate that special moment in
every boy or girl’s life, the landing of their
first fish.
The award is an 8.5x11 certificate, suitable
for framing, identifying the child, the fish
caught, and other details of that special
moment. Size of the fish and age of the
angler have no bearing, only that the fish
is their first.
Visit www.tnwildlife.org,
or call 615/781-6575
for further information.
44 2008 Fishing Guide