CHALLENGE YOUR ANGLING SKILLS WITH A GEORGIA BASS SLAM

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is inviting anglers to participate in this year’s Georgia Bass Slam.

Anglers who catch five different black bass species will have a Georgia Bass Slam.

The Bass Slam program recognizes anglers with the knowledge and skill to catch different species of bass in a variety of habitats across the state.

It also helps the DNR stimulate interest in the conservation and management of black bass and their habitats, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

There are 10 recognized native black bass species in Georgia.

They include the largemouth, smallmouth, shoal, Suwannee, spotted, redeye, Chattahoochee, Tallapoosa, Altamaha, and Bartram’s.

To qualify for the Georgia Bass Slam, fish must be caught within a calendar year, must be legally caught on waters where you have permission to fish, and anglers must provide some basic information on the catch (length, weight-if available, county and waterbody where caught) accompanied by several photos of each fish.

Anglers will submit information to [email protected] for verification. Complete rules posted at www.BassSlam.com.

Anglers who complete the Bass Slam will receive a certificate worthy of framing, two Go Fish Education Center passes, and some fantastic and fun stickers (for vehicle windows/bumpers) to advertise their achievement.

Anglers also will be recognized on the WRD website, at the Go Fish Education Center (www.GoFishEducationCenter.com), and possibly through a variety of social media platforms.

In addition, all successful submissions will go into a drawing for an annual grand prize.

I you don’t have time to dedicate to catch five species of bass, maybe you have your eye on a lunker largemouth? The DNR has a program for that.

The Trophy Bass Angler Award program recognizes largemouth bass catches of 10 pounds or greater.

These fish are rare, and the data from these catches helps to provide genetics and growth information that is valuable to fisheries managers.

Those that successfully submit a qualified fish will receive a certificate, hat, t-shirt and an entry into a drawing for a reward package.

And catch one larger than 13 pounds, and you may be eligible for a free mount of your bass! More info at https://georgiawildlife.com/fishing/anglerawards.

For more information on the Bass Slam you can go online to www.BassSlam.com.