At their May 18th Zoom meeting, the FFI Conservation Committee voted unanimously to approve a new “Basscatch” program, similiar to the “Cuttcatch” program which has been a huge success. In keeping with their mission of protecting “All Fish, All Waters”, this project recognizes the value of bass to the fly fishing community.
Currently, 12 species of the genus Micropterus exist in some portion of their historic native range. The Project is intended to aid in the conservation by encouraging members to collect memories of the bass they catch and released.
FFI members catching and documenting four (4) species of bass will receive a cap and certificate in recognition of their accomplishment. Catching an additional 4 species and members can receive an additional award. Catching all twelve (12) listed bass species, and anglers will be eligible for the All Basscatch award.
Glen ‘Catch’ Cormier, Conservation Director for the Gulf Coast Council and a member of the FFI Conservation Committee, believes GCC members have a unique opportunity with the Basscatch program.
“Of the twelve listed species, all but one can be found within 8 hours of a population center within our Council. The Gulf Coast Council is home to some of the top warmwater fly tiers and anglers in the FFI. So I fully expect many of our members to participate and even several to earn multiple badges.”.
For more on the Basscatch program, including requirements and list of species, please click on this link.
