Anglers, marinas, and fishing guides are working with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists to determine how many big bass live in Lake Fork.

State biologists know the lake is capable of producing trophy largemouth bass. Of the 350-odd bass donated to the ShareLunker program in its first seventeen years, more than 200 came from Lake Fork. Each of these fish weighed 13 pounds or more. Lake Fork was also home to the state record largemouth, an 18.18-pound fish caught in 1992. These noteworthy catches, however, don't give TPWD a clear picture of the lake's overall population.

This voluntary survey, the first of its type in Texas, encourages anglers to submit data on any bass that weighs at least 7 pounds or measures at least 24 inches. Participating fishing guides are carrying record books, and Lake Fork marinas have been set up as official check points. Fish that fall within the protected 16" to 24" slot limit must be released, but anglers are allowed to estimate the weight of these catches if a scale is not immediately available.

The survey began in March 2003 and is expected to continue through the year. TPWD appreciates the anglers' cooperation and the assistance of the Lake Fork Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Fork Sportsman's Association in implementing the survey.