ATHENS – O.H. Ivie reservoir just east of San Angelo is the best big bass fishing lake in Texas and the United States and here's why:
As New Year's Day dawns on Monday, it heralds the commencement of the 38th Toyota ShareLunker season. Anglers hailing from various corners of Texas and across the nation eagerly prepare to cast their lines, aspiring to land the coveted Legacy Lunker largemouth bass, weighing 13 pounds or more, within Texas' renowned fisheries.
The Toyota ShareLunker initiative stands as a pivotal contributor to positioning Texas as a premier destination for countless anglers in pursuit of this prized sport fish. Seizing a pole, venturing onto the waters, and reeling in a largemouth bass tipping the scales at 13 pounds or above presents an exhilarating opportunity to kickstart the new year. The act of casting the line, skillfully maneuvering the lure onto the water's surface, and the thrilling strike from a potential fish of a lifetime encapsulate the aspirations of many dedicated anglers.
Natalie Goldstrohm, coordinator of the Toyota ShareLunker program, expressed, "ShareLunker season ignites not only enthusiasm for substantial bass catches but also a collective dedication to conservation." Goldstrohm added, "Anglers, scientists, and industry partners unite in gathering crucial data for managing trophy bass, stocking superior offspring, and acquiring essential genetic information to enhance the bass fishing landscape in Texas. The achievements of the 2023 season fuel our enthusiasm for what lies ahead in 2024."
The 2023 season marked a resounding success for the program, witnessing numerous significant milestones and unforgettable moments for anglers collaborating with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Inland Fisheries Division staff. Key highlights from the 2023 Toyota ShareLunker collection season include:
- A remarkable tally of 15 Legacy Class ShareLunkers sourced from O.H. Ivie.
- Five fish weighing over 14 pounds.
- Angler Kyle Hall securing a Legacy Lunker in consecutive seasons.
- Anglers Dalton Smith and Caden Cowan both reeling in Legacy Lunkers at O.H. Ivie on the same day (Feb. 2).
- Anglers from seven states, including Texas, etching their names into the program's record book: Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Washington.
- A total of 650 Legacy Lunkers submitted by anglers in the initial 37 years of the ShareLunker program, with all loaned fish during the 2022 and 2023 collection seasons returning to the respective lakes in robust health.
During the first quarter of the season (Jan. 1 through March 31), anglers hooking a 13-plus pound bass can loan it to TPWD for inclusion in the ShareLunker selective breeding and stocking program. These anglers may report their catch by calling the ShareLunker hotline at (903) 681-0550, operational 24/7 until March 31, 2024.
Anglers achieving the feat of catching and loaning these 13-plus pound lunkers attain Legacy Class status and earn a range of rewards, including merchandise, a 13lb+ Legacy decal for their vehicle or boat, VIP access to the Toyota ShareLunker Annual Awards event, a high-quality replica mount of their fish from Lake Fork Taxidermy, and a swag pack along with an annual subscription from Bass University. Furthermore, these anglers gain entries into two distinct drawings: the Legacy Class Drawing and the year-end Grand Prize Drawing, each awarding the winner a $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree.
The year-round Toyota ShareLunker program encompasses four tiers of participation for capturing bass exceeding eight pounds or measuring over 24 inches in Texas.
Anglers supplying data for any lunker exceeding eight pounds or 24 inches throughout the 2024 calendar year receive a catch kit, a decal for their vehicle or boat, a one-month subscription to Bass University, and an entry into the year-end Grand Prize Drawing for a $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree. ShareLunker entry classes encompass the Bass Pro Shops Lunker Class (8 lb.+), Strike King Elite Class (10 lb.+), and Lew's Legend Class (13 lb.+).
Upon reeling in a lunker, anglers must input the catch data using the Toyota ShareLunker mobile app, available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play, or via the Toyota ShareLunker online app at TexasSharelunker.com.
In addition to furnishing basic catch information, anglers have the option to submit a DNA scale sample from their lunker bass for genetic analysis by TPWD researchers. Anglers contributing samples in 2024 receive a Lew's baitcast reel valued at up to $200 (while supplies last, limit one reel per angler) and a three-month subscription to Bass University. Instructions for submitting DNA samples are accessible on the Toyota ShareLunker website.
As of Dec. 11, the program tallied 488 ShareLunker catches by 340 anglers across all size categories, spanning 88 public waterbodies. This year witnessed 30 fish surpassing 13 pounds, encompassing 18 Legacy and 12 Legend Class entries.
Shawn Strength, hailing from Raymond, Mississippi, submitted a substantial Legend Class Lunker on Nov. 15 from O.H. Ivie, weighing an impressive 16.65 pounds. His catch secured a spot among Texas' Top 50 biggest largemouth bass of all-time list. Strength also provided a genetic sample from his catch for TPWD's analysis.
O.H. Ivie emerged as the leading waterbody with 75 approved entries during the 2023 season.
The Toyota ShareLunker Program owes its success in part to the generous sponsorship of Toyota. Toyota's enduring support for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and TPWD contributes major funding toward diverse fisheries, state parks, and wildlife projects.
Crucial program support stems from sponsors including Lew's for the Legend class category, Strike King for the Elite class category, Bass Pro Shops for the Lunker class category, alongside contributions from American Fishing Tackle Co., Bass Forecast, Bass University, Lake Fork Taxidermy, and 6th Sense Fishing. Stay updated on the Toyota ShareLunker Program via facebook.com/sharelunkerprogram/, https://www.instagram.com/TexasShareLunker/ or TexasSharelunker.com.
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