Bass Slam logo with bass images around the state of GA DNR

 

Test those angling skills this year and grab yourself a Georgia Bass Slam! This program recognizes anglers with the knowledge and skill to catch different species of bass in a variety of habitats across the state, while also stimulating interest in the conservation and management of black bass and their habitats, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

Georgia’s 10 recognized native black bass species are largemouth, smallmouth, shoal, Suwannee, spotted, redeye, Chattahoochee, Tallapoosa, Altamaha and Bartram’s. Anglers can find out more about these eligible bass species, including images, location maps and more at www.bassslam.com.

How Can You Participate? 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 then submit information to Georgia.BassSlam@dnr.ga.gov for verification. Complete rules are posted at www.BassSlam.com.

What is Your Reward? Well, besides bragging rights among all the anglers and non-anglers you know, you will receive a certificate worthy of framing, two Go Fish Education Center passes, and stickers (for vehicle windows/bumpers) to advertise your achievement. Anglers also will be recognized on the WRD website, at the Go Fish Education Center (www.gofisheducationcenter.com), and more.

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

Successful Bass Slammer Kevin McInturff was the lucky winner of the 2021 Georgia Bass Slam Grand Prize. This included a framed “Bass Species of Georgia” print, a cooler, camp chairs, tackle box and more. Kevin even claims that the hat he got as part of the prize package is bringing him “luck” so far this year as he already has hooked a nice bass in pursuit of a 2022 Bass Slam.

Don’t have time to dedicate to catch five species of bass, but maybe you have your eye on a lunker largemouth? The agency has a program for that as well. The Trophy Bass Angler Award program recognizes largemouth bass catches of 10 pounds or greater. These fish are rare and data from these catches 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 if you catch one larger than 13 pounds you may be eligible for a free mount of your bass! More info at www.georgiawildlife.com/fishing/anglerawards.

For more information, visit www.BassSlam.com.

Courtesy, GA DNR, Wildlife Resources Division