The goal of the program is to encourage the return of trophy fish to the lake by rewarding anglers with a replica bass for catching and releasing their False River Trophy back to the lake. To qualify for a Big Bass replica, the fish must be weighed, registered, and released alive by an FRBBP representative. FRBBP provides an angler a free fiberglass replica for any bass weighing 8 pounds or more,
provided the following rules are met:
• The bass must be caught in False River and weigh a minimum of 8.00 lbs.
• Fish must be caught by sporting means, i.e. a fishing pole, rod, reel, and line, or other forms of sport fishing tackle. Fish caught by hand, hand lines, set lines, trotlines, net, trap, seine, or snagging are not eligible.
• Fish must be weighed on an approved scale by an FRBBA Official Weigh Master or an approved tournament scale.
• At weigh-in, the angler must present a valid fishing license or approved exemption and complete, agree to conditions, and sign an FRBBP official registration form.
• A Weigh Master at the weigh station must attest to the weight and sign the registration form.
• Angler must release the live fish back into False River.
• A Weigh Master must witness the live release of the fish into False River 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 him/her, and FRBBP will not award a replica. 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 for longer than 30 seconds.
• Transfer the fish to a well-aerated live well or aerated cooler, out of direct sunlight.
• Immediately call an FRBBP Weigh Master.
