The 2026 Toyota ShareLunker season is off to an unforgettable start, launching its 40th anniversary with two extraordinary Legacy Class largemouth bass from O.H. Ivie and Lake Alan Henry—two reservoirs that have become legendary in Texas fishing history.

O.H. Ivie, which has produced an astonishing 59 Legacy Class ShareLunkers over the past six years, delivered the first fish of the new collection season on Jan. 20. Charles Roberts of Trinity reeled in ShareLunker 684, a 13.75‑pound giant that biologists quickly recognized. The fish turned out to be a recapture of ShareLunker 681, caught just last March by Kevin Robertson of Lubbock. In 2025, she weighed 13.66 pounds—proof of her continued health and growth.

Just two days later, Lake Alan Henry produced a story that stunned even longtime ShareLunker followers. Ross Gomez of Post landed ShareLunker 685, a 14.74‑pound bass he had caught not once, but twice before—in 2023 and again in 2025. All three catches occurred in the same general area, making this the first time in program history that an angler has caught the same Legacy Class fish three separate times in public waters.

“The start of our 40th Anniversary season has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Natalie Goldstrohm, Toyota ShareLunker program coordinator. “These extraordinary fish returning year after year highlight the exceptional care provided by our hatchery staff at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, ensuring they remain healthy and thrive for others to catch their fish of a lifetime.”

Gomez’s latest catch came after a long workday and a last‑minute decision to fish from the dock rather than take out his kayak. While chatting with a friend and testing a new lure, he watched the massive bass rise from the depths and strike.

“I saw her come up from the bottom and smash it,” Gomez recalled. “I’m screaming to my friend to get the net… I finally got her up and realized, this is a huge fish.”

When TPWD biologists scanned the fish’s electronic tag—similar to a pet microchip—they confirmed it was indeed the same ShareLunker he had submitted twice before. The odds left Gomez stunned.

“My wife said, ‘What are the chances of you catching the same fish for the third time?’… Why did she decide on that day to hit my lure? That’s the unbelievable thing to me.”

O.H. Ivie continues to dominate the ShareLunker landscape, posting double‑digit Legacy Class fish in 2021, 2022, and 2024, and a record‑shattering 15 in 2023. The reservoir led the state again in 2025 and is already on the board for 2026. Meanwhile, Gomez’s catch marks the 32nd all‑time Legacy Class Lunker for Lake Alan Henry.

From Jan. 1 through March 31, anglers who land a 13‑pound‑plus bass can loan it to TPWD for selective breeding. These Legacy Class fish help produce future generations of trophy‑sized bass for Texas lakes. Anglers can report catches 24/7 through the ShareLunker hotline at (903) 681‑0550.

Legacy participants receive a catch kit, a 13‑pound decal, VIP access to the annual awards event, a replica mount of their fish, branded apparel, and entries into two drawings for a $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree.

The year‑round program also recognizes anglers who catch bass over 8 pounds or 24 inches, with three additional entry classes:

• Bass Pro Shops Lunker Class (8 lb.+)
• Strike King Elite Class (10 lb.+)
• Lew’s Legend Class (13 lb.+)

All entries help TPWD biologists gather vital data to support largemouth bass conservation.

As the 40th anniversary season gets underway, excitement is building across Texas lakes. With two remarkable recaptures already logged, anglers and biologists alike are eager to see what the rest of 2026 will bring.

For updates, entry information, and full program details, visit TexasShareLunker.com or follow the program on social media.