Catch five different bass species and you have a Georgia Bass Slam.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) introduced the Georgia Bass Slam last year to recognize 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, and 15 anglers managed to grab their own slam – who will get one in 2018?
“Black bass are the most sought after group of species in North America, and for the Georgia Bass Slam we recognize 10 different black bass,” said Matt Thomas, chief of WRD Fisheries Management. “The slam challenges anglers to explore new habitats and different techniques to go beyond the species they normally target.”
Georgia’s 10 recognized native black bass species are largemouth, smallmouth, shoal, Suwannee, spotted (Alabama or Kentucky), 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.
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 will submit information to Georgia.BassSlam@dnr.ga.gov for verification. Complete rules are posted at www.BassSlam.com.
Besides bragging rights among anglers and non-anglers, participants will receive a certificate worthy of framing, two passes to the Go Fish Education Center and some fantastic and fun bumper stickers to advertise their achievement.
Anglers will be recognized on the WRD website, at the Go Fish Education Center, and through a variety of social media platforms. In addition, all successful 2018 submissions will go into a drawing for a grand prize.
For more information, visit www.BassSlam.com.