Fishing with Greg Jones – TARP

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is offering a program that I think will be fun to participate in, TARP.

The Tennessee Angler Recognition Program (TARP) allows anglers to have their trophy fish recognized by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Anglers of any age, who catch qualifying fish species that meet or exceed the qualifying lengths, may apply. The TWRA Fisheries Management Division sends those accomplished anglers certificates featuring color reproductions of fish artwork by renowned wildlife artist Joseph R. Tomelleri.

TARP features four levels of angler recognition. Anglers catching a fish that meets or exceeds the minimum “trophy” length requirements, listed in the table below, will receive a Trophy Fish Certificate. These certificates feature Joseph R. Tomelleri artwork representing the species caught by the applicant and are suitable for framing. After anglers catch five trophy size fish in any combination, a Master Angler level I certificate and patch will be awarded at no cost to the angler. Anglers submitting five trophy size fish of different species receive a Master Angler level II certificate and patch.

The newest Master Angler III recognition is awarded to anglers submitting ten different trophy species. In addition to a certificate and patch, the angler will receive a “tackle package” courtesy of Bass Pro Shops-Sevierville, Tennessee.
Below is a list of length requirements. The rules and other requirements can be found on the TWRA web page.

In May, I started trying to catch five species of fish that will make the TARP award. So far I have caught a White Crappie and Redear Sunfish that are eligible. I have spent to days trying to catch an 18 inch white bass with no luck, but several 17.5 inch fish. Stripper, Smallmouth bass, Channel catfish, Flathead catfish, Drum, Rainbow trout, and Brown trout are my best bet for accomplishing my goal.

If any one else would like to try or is trying, let me know how it is going. Email me at contact@sorsn.com.

Take someone fishing, Greg

Minimum Trophy Fish Lengths