Man holding a large fish, celebrating a new fishing record at the Bass Champs Tournament in Texas. This triumph is part of the Lunker Bass Initiative's success story. Hashtags include #TOLEDOBEND, #LUNKER, #LAKERECORD.
A man proudly holds a large fish at a lake, standing on a boat with the clear blue sky as his backdrop. The Tournament logo is in the corner, congratulating him on his record catch, part of the celebrated Lunker Bass Initiative.

View Photos & Lunker List

View Photos & Lunker List

You can see photos of the anglers and their lunkers by going to the Toledo Bend Lunker Bass Program on Facebook. A list of the lunkers is posted under the program year below.

Dedicated to Conservation

The Lunker Bass Initiative is the signature conservation program among the many projects sponsored by the Toledo Bend Lake Association (TBLA) as the association strives to deliver on its mission “to improve the quality of Toledo Bend Lake and the amenities surrounding it.” The goal of the program is to encourage the return of trophy fish to the lake by rewarding anglers a replica bass for catching and releasing their lunker back to the lake. Released lunkers will continue to spawn, producing more potential lunkers. Also released, lunkers continue to grow and can potentially be caught a second time. A lunker caught on March 6, 2024, by Vincent John Lalena weighed 12.37 pounds. This fish had also been caught on February 27, 2023, when it weighed 10.37 pounds.

A man proudly holds a large fish outside a metal building, framed by signs that read "Fairmount General Store" and "Toledo Bend Lake Association Lunker Bass Initiative.

Program Sponsorship & Impact

Program Sponsorship & Impact

This program was initiated by the Sabine River Authority of Louisiana in 1992 and was continued by Toledo Town & Tackle in 1998. Sponsorship was transferred to the Toledo Bend Lake Association in 2005. Between 1992 and March 2023, over 1,100 lunkers have been caught and released back into the Bend. Congratulations to all the anglers who have earned lunker replicas since the program began in 1992. Let’s keep the Nation’s #1 bass fishing lake, as designated by Bassmaster’s Magazine, booming with lunkers for next year’s awards! You can see photos of the anglers and their lunkers by going to the Toledo Bend Lunker Bass Program on Facebook.

Get Your 10-Pound Bass Replica

Get Your 10-Pound Bass Replica

Qualifying for a Replica

To qualify for a replica, a bass 10-pound or larger must be weighed, registered, and released alive by the Toledo Bend Lake Association or one of their representatives. The Toledo Bend Lake Association provides the angler a free fiberglass replica provided the following rules are met:

  • The bass must be caught in Toledo Bend Lake and weigh a minimum of 10.00 lbs.
  • Fish must be caught by sporting means, i.e., a fishing pole, rod, reel, and line, or other form of sport fishing tackle. Fish caught by hand, hand lines, set lines, trot lines, net, trap, seine, or snagging are not eligible.
  • Fish must be weighed on an ASGS-approved scale at a Toledo Bend Lake Association Official Weigh Station or an approved tournament scale.
  • At weigh-in, the angler must agree to the rules, present a valid fishing license (or approved exemption), complete, and sign the Toledo Bend Lake Association official registration form.
  • A designated witness at the weigh station must attest to the weight and sign the registration form.
  • The angler must release the live fish to a weigh station employee.
  • A weigh station employee or Toledo Bend Lake Association representative must witness the live release of the fish into Toledo Bend Lake and attest to such by signing the registration form.
  • If the fish dies prior to release, the angler will be notified, it will be returned to them, and Toledo Bend Lake Association will not award a replica.

Proper Fish Handling Tips

Keeping your lunker alive is critical. Handle it carefully and go to a weigh station ASAP.

  • Always wet your hands before handling and transferring the fish.
  • Avoid holding the fish vertically by the lower lip. Use one hand to firmly grasp the lower jaw and the other to support the weight just behind the belly. Or, use a knotless, fine mesh, soft net or plastic weigh bag to transfer the fish.
  • Try not to hold the fish out of water longer than 30 seconds.
  • Transfer the fish to a well-aerated live well or aerated cooler, out of direct sunlight.
  • Go immediately to a Toledo Bend Lake Association Weigh Station.
A young angler proudly holds a large fish, standing by a sign that reads "Living the Dream," with a Toledo Bend Lake Association badge and a nod to the Lunker Bass Initiative.

Official Weigh Stations

Official Weigh Stations
Person proudly holding a large fish indoors, standing in front of a wall adorned with fishing-related items and signs. This impressive catch is part of the Lunker Bass Initiative, celebrating successful anglers and promoting sustainable fishing practices.

Louisiana Side:

A person wearing sunglasses and a hat proudly holds a large bass fish at a lakeside dock under cloudy skies, representing the Lunker Bass Initiative. A Toledo Bend Lake Association badge is visible in the corner.

Texas Side:

A person proudly holds a large fish in front of a Fin & Feather Resort sign at Toledo Bend Lake, showcasing the success of the Lunker Bass Initiative. A Toledo Bend Lake Association badge is visible in the corner.

Get Involved in the Trophy Bass Program

Get Involved in the Trophy Bass Program

The Trophy Bass Program is making a difference in the conservation of Toledo Bend Lake. Join us in preserving our lake’s legacy—contact us today to learn more or visit a weigh station to participate!

Engage With Us