Bass DNA Profile Proves Sharelunker Genetic Potential

IN FEBRUARY 2017, Marine Creek Lake produced the first ever-confirmed Toyota ShareLunker offspring entered in the program, a major milestone in the program’s effort to create bigger, better bass in Texas.

Two years later, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists confirmed that ShareLunker 577, a 14.57 pound bass caught at Marine Creek Lake on January 26, is a full sibling to the 2017 Marine Creek Lake fish, both stocked from the same group of selectively bred largemouth bass 13 years ago.

Mother Bass: Sharelunker 410, caught in 2006 on Lake Conroe.
(Photo: TPWD)

“Having two confirmed ShareLunker offspring caught in Marine Creek Lake is very satisfying,” said Tom Hungerford, “because before we stocked it with ShareLunker fingerlings it didn’t have a history of producing trophy-sized bass.”

Hungerford is a TPWD Inland Fisheries Assistant Biologist from the Dallas-Fort Worth District Office.

“But I thought if the genetics really play a role in producing double digit bass then a lake like that will truly show the potential, and it has.”

First Daughter: Sharelunker 566, also caught on Marine Creek, in 2017.
(Photo: TPWD)

Genetic testing conducted by TPWD fisheries biologists using a clip from ShareLunker 577’s fin found she is not only the full sister to ShareLunker 566, the 13.07 pound bass caught by angler Ryder Wicker from Marine Creek Lake in February 2017, she’s also the daughter of ShareLunker 410, a 14.48 pound bass caught by angler Edward Reid from Lake Conroe in March 2006.

“In 2006 and 2008, we stocked thousands of fingerlings produced by spawning ShareLunker 410 and other 13 pound and larger bass as part of a research project to evaluate the growth of ShareLunker offspring in public reservoirs,” Hungerford said.

“With the two confirmed ShareLunker offspring caught and entered in the program from Marine Creek Lake—along with other double-digit bass other anglers have caught there recently,” said Tom Hungerford. “It’s clear those fingerlings have absolutely survived and thrived. And the potential for even larger bass continues because we keep seeing bigger and bigger fish being caught in that lake every year.”

Hungerford said ShareLunker 577 is the largest largemouth bass ever caught within the four-county Dallas-Forth Worth district.

ShareLunker 577 is also the third confirmed ShareLunker offspring ever entered in the program, a list that also includes full sibling ShareLunker 566 and ShareLunker 567, a 13.06-pound bass caught by angler Larry Mosby from Lake Naconiche in February 2017.

Share Your Lunker

SINCE 1986, the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s popular Toyota ShareLunker program has been partnering with anglers to promote and enhance bass fishing in Texas. Each season (January 1 through December 31), anglers will have new and exciting opportunities to partner with ShareLunker and be recognized for their achievement and contributions all year long.

(Photo: TPWD)

Anglers who reel in any largemouth bass at least 8 lbs. or 24 inches can participate simply by entering their lunker catch information. Complete Entry Requirements online or in the new ShareLunker mobile app during the year-long season (January 1 through December 31).

All confirmed ShareLunker participants will receive a Catch Kit corresponding to their fish’s weight class. Each Catch Kit includes an achievement decal, merchandise and other giveaways. Plus, everyone who enters will be included in a grand prize drawing to win a $5,000 shopping spree and other prizes! And, anglers who donate their 13 lb. or larger bass for spawning will be entered in an additional drawing to win a $5,000 shopping spree, VIP access and awards programming at the 2019 Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest and other prizes.

Visit TexasShareLunker.com.

DIGITAL BONUS

A Look At The Texas Sharelunker Program

Since 1986, the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s popular Toyota ShareLunker program has been partnering with anglers to promote and enhance bass fishing in Texas. Beginning in 2018, anglers will have new and exciting opportunities to partner with ShareLunker and be recognized for their achievement and contributions all year long.

—story by TF&G STAFF REPORT