BALLINGER, Texas — O.H. Ivie reservoir, situated 40 miles east of San Angelo, once again seized the spotlight on Wednesday as Thaddeus Galey of La Center, Washington, reeled in the fourth Legacy Class Lunker of the 2024 Toyota ShareLunker season.
Galey's impressive catch, ShareLunker 657, weighing 13.19 pounds, marked the seventh Legacy Class entry of the season by seven different anglers, amplifying the reservoir's reputation as a prime bass fishing destination.
Natalie Goldstrohm, coordinator of the Toyota ShareLunker program, remarked, "O.H. Ivie continues to produce lunker after lunker, and this season is no exception. It is no wonder that out-of-state anglers are drawn to fish O.H. Ivie because of the quality bass fishery and the chance to catch a fish of a lifetime."
Over the past four seasons, O.H. Ivie has witnessed an unprecedented surge in ShareLunker catches. From being the final ShareLunker contributor of the 2020 collection to recording 12 Legacy Class Lunkers in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, the reservoir shattered its own records by delivering 15 ShareLunkers in 2023. This momentum has carried into 2024, with Wednesday's catch pushing the total to 43 combined Legacy Lunkers and multiple Legend Class entries.
Galey's achievement further solidifies O.H. Ivie's status as a global angling hotspot. Reflecting on his experience, Galey shared, "We were out in the main lake, spotted some fish, followed them around and kept casting at them... I didn't really feel the fish bite, but instead, it seemed like I had wound into something."
Galey's first encounter with the ShareLunker program left a lasting impression. "It was quite the experience," he said, highlighting the program's significance in conservation efforts.
During the ongoing season, anglers who reel in a 13-plus pound bass have the opportunity to loan it to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for the ShareLunker selective breeding and stocking program. Anglers must report their catch to the ShareLunker hotline by March 31, 2024.
Anglers must weigh their potential Legacy Class fish on a certified scale, with Concho Park Marina serving as one such facility.
Participants in the ShareLunker program receive various incentives, including merchandise, decals, and entry into prize drawings sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and others.
The Toyota ShareLunker Program, supported by sponsors like Toyota, Lew's, Strike King, and Bass Pro Shops, plays a vital role in fisheries conservation and research efforts across Texas.
Anglers interested in participating can submit catch data through the Toyota ShareLunker mobile app or website, with options to contribute DNA samples for genetic analysis.
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: