The 2025 Toyota ShareLunker season closed with a surge of momentum, rewriting the record books and showcasing just how deeply Texas anglers are invested in growing the state’s legendary largemouth bass fisheries. Over the course of the year, 469 anglers submitted a record‑setting 1,071 lunker largemouth bass from 93 public waterbodies, marking one of the most productive seasons in the program’s 40‑year history.

The year’s entries spanned every ShareLunker class:

• 714 Bass Pro Shops Lunker Class bass (8–9.99 lbs or 24 inches)
• 335 Strike King Elite Class bass (10–12.99 lbs)
• 14 Legacy Class giants (13+ lbs caught Jan. 1–Mar. 31)
• 8 Lew’s Legend Class fish (13+ lbs caught outside the collection window)

Beyond the impressive totals, anglers submitted 201 DNA samples, giving Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists a deeper look at genetics, growth rates, and the long‑term impact of selective breeding.

That genetic work led to two standout discoveries. At Lake Alan Henry, angler Ross Gomez recaptured the same Legacy Class fish he had submitted in 2023—the first time in program history the same angler caught the same ShareLunker twice in public waters. At Bois d’Arc Lake, angler Gary Ripkowski landed a 10.20‑pound Elite Class bass confirmed to be a direct offspring of a 2021 Legacy Class fish from O.H. Ivie. The four‑year‑old bass demonstrated exceptional growth, underscoring the program’s success.

Every ShareLunker entry earns anglers recognition and a chance at prizes, including the annual $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree. This year’s grand prize winner was Jennifer Fisher of Phoenix, Arizona, who reeled in a 9.85‑pound Lunker Class bass at Joe Pool Reservoir during a trip to Texas for the Bassmaster Classic. With only minutes left before heading to dinner, Fisher hooked the biggest bass of her life.

“I’d never seen eyes this big on a fish,” she said. “I submitted it to the program, got my ShareLunker hat and catch kit, and when I found out I won the drawing, I couldn’t believe it.”

Other anglers made their mark as well. Christian Gladfelter of Abilene led the season with 112 entries, followed by Larence Lee of Tolar with 94. The largest bass of 2025—a 16.39‑pound Lew’s Legend Class giant—was caught by Cullie Belveal at O.H. Ivie, ranking as the 19th heaviest largemouth in Texas history.

Some waterbodies produced extraordinary numbers.

• J.B. Thomas topped the list with 442 entries
• Lake Fork followed with 104
• Toledo Bend added 89
• O.H. Ivie contributed 52
• Lake Conroe rounded out the top five with 24

With the 2025 season wrapped, TPWD is already gearing up for a milestone year.

“The 40th anniversary season has arrived,” said ShareLunker coordinator Natalie Goldstrohm. “After an epic 2025, we’re ready to see Texas anglers make history in 2026.”

From January through March, anglers who land a 13‑pound‑plus Legacy Class bass can loan it to TPWD for selective breeding. Legacy anglers receive a catch kit, a replica mount, VIP access to the annual awards event, branded apparel, and entries into two separate $5,000 shopping spree drawings.

Year‑round, anglers can participate by entering any bass over 8 pounds or 24 inches through the ShareLunker app or website. Every entry contributes valuable data and earns rewards, including decals, catch kits, and a chance at the year‑end grand prize.

The Toyota ShareLunker Program continues thanks to the support of Toyota, Lew’s, Strike King, Bass Pro Shops, AFTCO, Bass University, Bass Forecast, and Lake Fork Taxidermy. The program also partners with AFTCO for the Guide of the Year Award, recognizing guides who advance conservation and angler success.

As the 40th anniversary season begins, Texas anglers are once again invited to help build Bigger, Better Bass—one lunker at a time.