BPT angler Gary Klein shows off a Texas-sized ShareLunker .
breed bass for future stockings , as well as via a voluntary scale sample submission program for anglers who catch fish over 8 pounds .
This research has led TPWD to conclude that advanced growth in Texas is tied to Florida genetics , that it takes 10 years on average for ShareLunker offspring to reach 13 pounds , and — possibly most important — that 14 % of the 8-plus-pound largemouth scale samples came from fish with familiar DNA of a ShareLunker .
This is important because TPWD ’ s annual stocking over the past 10 years has averaged 7.7 million Florida largemouth fingerlings and 110,000 ShareLunker offspring — meaning 1.4 % of fingerlings stocked statewide are
ShareLunker offspring , but 14 % of the 8-plus-pound fish sampled have ShareLunker genes . This data provides proof that , if a fishery possesses the ecological factors necessary to grow giant bass , then selecting the right genetics will , in time , result in more larger fish .
mlf fmd lunker dna
Major League Fishing , the MLF FMD and the MLF Anglers Association ( MLFAA ) have each made a concerted effort to further our understanding of how genetics play a role in advanced size growth geographically , as well as supporting stocking projects that focus on building community and inspiring the next generation of anglers .
The MLF FMD Lunker DNA project collected 60 more samples from 7- plus-pound largemouth caught on the Bass Pro Tour and Tackle Warehouse Invitationals in 2023 . These samples were sent to Auburn University , and the results will hopefully be available for distribution before the end of the year . The 2023 results will be added to the past two years ’ data and provided to state agencies to inform stocking decisions .
mlfaa stocking at guntersville
BPT pro Chris Lane – with the support of the MLFAA and Southern Pond Professionals – started a stocking program with local youth in 2019 benefiting Lake Guntersville . Over the past four years , the group has stocked 62,500 pure Florida largemouth bass . This year ’ s event took place before official practice started for BPT Stage Four on Guntersville in May . Local youth joined BPT anglers and the Southern Pond Professionals staff in stocking the fish across the iconic reservoir . This program will continue in 2024 and be a highlight of REDCREST 2025 at Guntersville .
MLF pro Dakota Ebare landed three swab-worthy largemouth during General Tire Heavy Hitters . The DNA from those fish will be analyzed and sent to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries .
OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2023 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM 11