Citizen Scientists-TPWD says anglers can benefit future of fishing with scale samples for genetics testing

Compelling news from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s A.E. Wood State Fish Hatchery in San Marcos…… Recent genetics testing performed on a scale sample from an 8.15-pound largemouth bass caught and released earlier this year from Bois d’ Arc Lake confirms the fish was a test tube baby with a developing weight problem.

According to fisheries biologist Dan Bennett of Pottsboro, the fish was one of 2,070 Toyota Share-Lunker offspring released in the Fannin County impoundment in Fall 2019.

Fishing guide Jason Conn caught the big bass in May. He plucked a couple of scales from the fish before releasing it. The scales were voluntarily submitted to TPWD in hopes of helping scientists learn more about the bass’ DNA and family tree.