Popular Tennessee Fisheries Program (TARP) Nearing Milestone
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s (TWRA) popular Tennessee Angler Recognition Program (TARP) is closing in on a milestone, approaching 10,000 entries from anglers who have recorded trophy-sized catches in Volunteer State waters.
TARP launched in 2003 to recognize anglers for outstanding sportfishing accomplishments, encourage the catch-and-release of trophy-size fish, promote the continued growth of fishing, and provide the TWRA with valuable documentation and information on large fish caught throughout the state. The program now has 27 qualifying fish species.
Anglers of any age who catch large fish that meet or exceed qualifying lengths may apply. The TWRA Fisheries Division sends these accomplished anglers TARP certificates featuring reproductions of fish artwork by renowned wildlife artist Joseph R. Tomelleri.
TARP features five levels of angler recognition. Anglers submitting one of any of the 27 qualifying fish species that meet or exceed the minimum "trophy" length requirements receive a Trophy Fish Certificate, depicting the species:
- Master Angler I: Anglers submitting five (5) trophy-size fish species, in any combination, receive a Master Angler Level I certificate and patch at no cost.
- Master Angler level II: Anglers submitting five (5) different trophy-size fish receive a Master Angler level II certificate and patch at no cost.
- Master Angler III: Anglers submitting ten (10) different trophy-size fish receive a Master Angler III level certificate and patch at no cost. In addition, anglers will receive a gift card courtesy of Bass Pro Shops, Kodak, Tenn.
- Master Angler IV: Anglers submitting fifteen (15) different trophy-size fish receive a Master Angler IV certificate, patch, and a trophy at no cost.
- Master Angler V: Anglers submitting twenty (20) different trophy-size fish receive a Master Angler V certificate, patch, and engraved plaque at no cost.
The TWRA Fisheries Division developed a chart to identify qualifying fish species and their corresponding minimum length limits. Anglers 13 years of age and older must be licensed at the time of the catch. The fish must be caught legally (in accordance with Tennessee Sportfishing Regulations) within Tennessee waters by rod and reel or cane pole. The application must have documentation of the length, provided by either a witness or a photograph. Applications must be submitted within 90 days of the catch.
Since its inception, the TWRA has received positive feedback from anglers on the program's design, which allows them to work at their own pace and is suitable for all ages. 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. Trophy catches have been reported from nearly 100 different bodies of water, ranging from Bristol to Memphis, including small farm ponds, small lakes, mountain streams, and large reservoirs. For more information on locations to fish, click here.
TARP provides information on locations that produce more trophies of various species, as well as the best time of year to catch a trophy of a specific species. The TWRA employs other methods to collect scientific data and monitor fish populations. In addition, TARP gives the opportunity for new anglers to learn fish identification and the ideal lengths for what is considered a trophy fish. It also serves as a tool in TWRA’s R3 program (Recruit, Retain, Reactivate).
TARP should not be confused with the Tennessee State Record Fish Program, which recognizes anglers who catch a new Tennessee State record fish (the largest fish recorded, by weight, for that species in the state). TARP recognizes anglers who catch trophy-size fish, by length, that are not necessarily state records.
For further information about TARP and the State Record Fish Program, consult the 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide or the TWRA website.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.