News Summary
The 2025 Toyota ShareLunker Program successfully concluded another season, celebrating five years of achievements with a total of 14 Legacy Class Lunkers caught across nine public lakes in Texas. Leading the effort, O.H. Ivie Lake accounted for six of the entries, with notable catches including a 14.05-pound bass at Lady Bird Lake. Anglers are encouraged to participate in the program, which not only recognizes significant catches but also supports bass population management, promoting conservation and heritage in Texas fishing.
Texas Celebrates a Fishing Milestone with Record Lunkers
Howdy, folks! Great news is swimming through Texas waters as the 2025 Toyota ShareLunker Program has wrapped up another jaw-dropping collection season. Here’s the scoop: this season marked an impressive five consecutive years of success for the program, showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of our local anglers.
A Grand Total of 14 Legacy Class Lunkers
Spanning across **nine public lakes** in our great state, anglers brought forth a total of 14 Legacy Class ShareLunkers. That’s right, these fine fishers hauled in some real trophies! The lakes where the magic happened include O.H. Ivie, Richland-Chambers, Lady Bird Lake, J.B. Thomas, Alan Henry, Lake Tawakoni, Sam Rayburn, Lake Tyler, and Toledo Bend.
O.H. Ivie Takes the Spotlight
Leading the charge was O.H. Ivie Lake, dominating the scene with a whopping **six out of the 14 entries**. The excitement kicked off early in the year when Brady Stanford made the first Legacy Class catch at O.H. Ivie, reeling in a fine specimen weighing in at **13.13 pounds**. Talk about an impressive start!
Record-Breaking Moments
Among the standout moments was the performance of Willie Pipkin, who snagged a new record for Lady Bird Lake with a striking **14.05-pound bass** on February 5. This was a remarkable achievement that underscores the talent prowling our waters.
Making Memories, Catching Twice
It’s not often you hear about a bass getting caught twice, but Ross Gomez pulled off this remarkable feat two years apart! Four other anglers, including Brady Stanford, Ross Gomez, Terry Scott, and Mechelda Criswell, celebrated catching their second Legacy Class Lunker. It’s clear that Texas waters are brimming with opportunities!
Exciting Days by the Lakes
Mark the calendars because March 22 turned out to be a sensational day with both Lake Tyler and Sam Rayburn producing double-lunker catches! Days like this remind us of the thrill and joy of angling.
Joining the ShareLunker Family
Wondering how you can get involved? The Toyota ShareLunker Program invites anglers to jump on board year-round by submitting data for bass that weigh over **eight pounds** or **24 inches**. With classes like the Bass Pro Shops Lunker Class (8 lb.+), Strike King Elite Class (10 lb.+), and Lew’s Legend Class (13 lb.+), there’s something for everyone!
Winning Prizes and Recognition
Plus, the program offers a whole range of awards and recognitions for anglers, including a shot at a generous **$5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree**. The excitement just keeps on growing!
Genetic Insights for Better Bass
One intriguing aspect of the program is the opportunity for anglers to send in DNA samples from their catches. This assists in crucial bass population management efforts. By working hand-in-hand with partners like Toyota, AFTCO, and Bass Pro Shops, the program aims to boost the health and size of Texas’s beloved largemouth bass.
A Legacy of Conservation
Since its inception back in **1986**, the ShareLunker initiative has stocked an astonishing **1.9 million ShareLunker offspring** in Texas lakes. The introduction of Florida bass in **1972** helped put Texas on the map for trophy-size bass, and now the legacy continues to grow at full throttle!
Catch the Excitement!
As the 39th ShareLunker season kicked off on January 1, 2025, the excitement hasn’t slowed down. Anglers across Texas are invited to continue this tradition of conservation and celebrate our state’s incredible fishing heritage. So, grab your gear, hit the water, and who knows—you might just catch your own ShareLunker!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Beaumont Enterprise
- Wikipedia: Fishing
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Search: Texas ShareLunker Program
- Outdoor Life
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bass Fishing
- Houston Chronicle
- Google News: Texas fishing news
