First Flounder Replica Fish Caught!
Well, someone finally did it.
We've had several anglers reporting 19-inchers and one even sending in pics of a 22-inch flounder he tried to keep alive but that was mortally wounded and ended up dying. Now someone has caught a flounder that qualifies for the Flounder Revolution replica program.
Frank Moore (yes he's kin to me---cousin) of Orangefield caught a 22-incher Wednesday July 29 at Middle Pass on the north end of the Sabine Lake ecosystem. My father Chester Moore, Sr. and I were out fishing with photographer Gerald Burleigh and his friend Don Hubbard and ran into Frank and his son Shelton while working some schooling redfish. A few minutes later Frank hollers for us to come over and he had a massive flounder in the boat caught on a Gulp! shrimp.
He immediately wanted to register the fish with the replica program, so we measured the fish, documented it with Burleigh's excellent photography skills and released it to fight another day and more importantly spawn. The fish measured right at 22 7/8 inches and is the first ever for our replica program.
Here's the info from our Replica Program page.
In an effort to promote the catch and release of the big, genetically superior breeding female flounder, Flounder Revolution is partnering with Texas Fish & Game magazine and Global Fish Mounts to create Fiberglass for Flatfish.
From March-November we will be taking submissions from anglers releasing (or donating to hatcheries through special events) flounder measuring 20 inches or more.
At the end of each month, the angler who submits the largest released flounder will receive a high quality fiberglass replica of their catch produced by Global Fish Mounts.
Then at the end of the nine-month cycle, the angler who submits the most released flounder measuring 20 inches or more will be our "Flounder Angler of the Year" and receive a special trophy, a feature on your achievement in Texas Fish & Game magazine and prizes worth $1,000.
Since Frank was the only entrant in July and is therefore technically the biggest for the month he gets a replica of his catch. You can do the same and I know some of you reading this can go out and catch some fish this size. As the fall run approaches I'd love to see the competition heat up and the awesome anglers of the Texas coast go out and earn them a replica and show the importance of catch-and-release for big flounder. Someone will end up being "Flounder Angler of the Year" and it very well could be you.
Now go out there and catch those big fish.
Frank Moore releasing his big flounder back into the waters of Middle Pass on the north end of the Sabine ecosystem.
Congratulations on that big catch! Its nice to see this program kicking off and people releasing the big ones. Thanks to you Chester for envisioning it and protecting our resource.
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You just inspired me to go out and win the replica for August. Great work both of you!
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