Chaiten
AskAboutFlyFishing.com
Fly fish New Zealand
  Conservation >> Programs and Activities >> Native Fish Focus >> Basscatch
Basscatch Program
 
Black bass (Micropterus sp.) are perhaps one of the more commonly pursued fish by warmwater anglers, but what is not well known is that there are at least 8 existing subspecies of black bass. The largemouth black bass (Micropterus salmoides) is the best-known species of this genus. It is widely distributed throughout natural warmwaters of North and Central America, but the species also has adapted well to many man-made reservoirs. Most of the other representatives of Micropterus are generally not as widely distributed. They are much more dependent upon healthy natural systems for their survival and many have evolved with adaptations and habitat requirements that are unique to the warmwater systems in which they exist. Their adaptations to unique wetland niches also make these specialized species of black bass especially vulnerable. Streamside development, pollution from urban and industrial runoffs and future impoundments all are threats to these species and their habitats. The same factors also have strong possibility to compromise our enjoyment of fishing for these black bass. The most important first step towards protection of these unique native resources is to be aware and understand them. Basscatch strives to raise awareness of the diversity within our warmwater wetland environments, their conservation needs and their vast recreational opportunities.


Basscatch Mission
(1) to enhance angler knowledge of native black bass, their habitats and conservation needs.
(2) to secure and improve the recreational opportunities and enjoyment associated with these warmwater species for future generations.
 
Basscatch encourages FFF members and other fly fishers to learn more about all native black bass species by visiting the waters they inhabit and fishing for them. Six of the more specialized species of black bass and their native warmwaters have been selected for focus. Any fly fisher may participate by catching and releasing four of the selected species to qualify for Basscatch Award. Each applicant that meets all qualifications for recognition shall receive a Basscatch Member pin, patch and a certificate that is suitable for framing.
 
 
Information For Applicants
 

Basscatch encourages FFF members and other fly fishers to learn more about all native black bass species by visiting the waters they inhabit and fishing for them. Six of the more specialized species of black bass and their native warmwaters have been selected for focus. Any fly fisher may participate by catching and releasing four of the selected species to qualify for Basscatch Award. Each applicant that meets all qualifications for recognition shall receive a Basscatch Member pin, patch and a certificate that is suitable for framing.  A Basscatch Log Form must be filled out for each of the fore species and submitted with a signed copy for the Basscatch Certification.                                                   

(See below about Log) and photographs for each species caught and released, one signed Basscatch Certification and $8 (materials and processing) should be mailed to:

Conservation Coordinator
Federation of Fly Fishers
PO Box 1688
Livingston, MT 59047

There are six eligible species: Redeye bass (Micropterus coosae), Suwannee bass (Micropterus notius), Shoal bass (Micropterus cataractae), Guadalupe bass (Micropterus treculi), Alabama spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus henshalli), and Florida largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus).

Requirements

1. Qualifying black bass must be caught legally and in accordance with all state, local and other applicable laws.

2. All specimens must be caught and released within the waters that are specified for each respective species as follows:

Redeye bass - Tributaries of the Alabama River system in Alabama and Georgia and Chattahoochee River system in Georgia.

Suwannee bass - Rivers of the Big Bend of North Florida between and including the Suwannee River and Ochlocknee River.

Shoal bass - Apalachicola River System including Chattahoochee River, Flint River and Chipola River of Georgia and Florida.

Guadalupe bass - Guadalupe River above Gonzales, Colorado River north of Austin and upper San Antonio River.

Alabama spotted bass - Tributaries of the Coosa River in the upper Mobile Basin, including Hatchett Creek that flows into Lake Mitchell, Lake Jordan and the tailwaters below Lake Jordan Dam.

Florida largemouth bass - Peninsular Florida south of U.S. Highway 50.

3. All fish must be caught using barbless, single-hook flies and fly fishing tackle.

4. Minimum qualifying lengths for each species are as follows:

Redeye bass - 8 inches.
Suwannee bass - 10 inches.
Shoal bass - 10 inches.
Guadalupe bass - 11 inches.
Alabama spotted bass - 12 inches.
Florida largemouth bass - 14 inches.

5. Each qualifying fish must be photographed with minimal stress; i.e., raised above the water by wet hand or soft net, photographed and then released unharmed. Do not photograph fish lying on the bank.

Awarded Basscatch Members will be listed in the The Flyfisher and on the FFF Clubwire, along with a press release sent to the recipient's hometown newspaper. For more information contact the FFF Conservation Coordinator at 406-222-9639.
 
Log Information:
The angler should create a journal or written record of their journey toward the Bass Catch.  Documentation for each catch (and it's accompanying photo) should include date, location, fly, etc.  The Bass Catch requirements on the website contain a fair bit of specific detail on species and qualifying locations, so the angler should use that information to help inform the log or journal entry.  Catch locations might be noted with GPS coordinates, for example, if the angler has a GPS unit.  
 
 
Privacy Statement :: Terms Of Use
Federation of Fly Fishers - PO Box 1688, Livingston MT 59047. 406-222-9369 Copyright 2008