The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's (TWRA) Tennessee Angler Recognition Program (TARP) is on the brink of a significant achievement, as it nears the submission of its 10,000th trophy-sized catch. Since its initiation in 2003, the program has sought to honor anglers for their sportfishing triumphs, promote catch-and-release of sizeable fish, and collect essential data on fish caught across Tennessee.
With 27 qualifying species, TARP stands as a testament to the diversity of aquatic life thriving in Tennessee's waters. Whether a seasoned angler or a youngster with a fledgling love for the sport, the program offers a tiered system of accolades. From a 'Trophy Fish Certificate' for a single qualifying catch to the prestigious 'Master Angler V' for 20 varying trophy-sized fish, TARP sets a spectrum of attainable goals for participants. Notably, anglers vying for a certificate must catch their fish by rod and reel or cane pole within state waters, and they should submit their applications, complete with length documentation, within 90 days of the catch, as mentioned on the TWRA website.
Since its introduction, TARP has received acclaim from the angling community for its accessible design, enabling anglers to progress at their own pace. "The program's diverse range of fish species provides anglers with the opportunity to travel beyond their regular fishing spot and progress to higher Master Angler levels," as stated by the TWRA. As an added benefit, the Fisheries Division sends accredited anglers certificates featuring artwork by Joseph R. Tomelleri, at no cost.
Apart from the individual accolades, TARP serves a dual purpose as a scientific tool. The program assists the TWRA with valuable insights for better understanding the habitats that yield more trophy fish and the optimal times to catch them. These catches have been reported from various water bodies, from Bristol to Memphis - including but not limited to small farm ponds, lakes, streams, and large reservoirs.
TARP's focus is to celebrate significant catches by length rather than establish state records by weight, a distinction often misconstrued with the Tennessee State Record Fish Program. The TWRA manages this separate accolade, which acknowledges those who reel in a specimen unsurpassed in size by any others documented within the state. Anglers interested in either program can find further details in the 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide or by exploring the TWRA's website for current information.
