Polk County fisherman catches 1st prize bass in state TrophyCatch contest

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (WFLA) — A Polk County fisherman bagged a first prize from a state fishing contest, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision.

The FWC said Harry Linsinbigler IV caught a pink-tagged bass weighing at 11 pounds and 4 ounces at Lake Rochelle in Polk County.

The pink tagged bass was a part of the FWC’s TrophyCatch program, which set up five pink tag locations across the state.

These are Lake Lochloosa, Lake Beauclair, Lake Okeechobee, Porter Lake, and the Northwest Winter Haven Chain of Lakes — which includes Lake Jessie, Lake Idylwild, Lake Hartridge, Lake Conine, Lake Rochelle, Lake Haines, Lake Smart and Lake Fannie.

Biologists put out these pink tagged fish in these water ways for people to catch for various prizes if they reel in the first bass from the pink tag location.

Linsinbigler’s prizes included $1,000 to AFTCO Fishing Apparel & Tackle and a $1,000 check from TrophyCatch sponsor, 888-BOAT-LAW.

The TrophyCatch season ends on Sept. 30. This is the 12th time the FWC has held this competition.

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