Tennessee Angler Recognition Program (TARP)

The Tennessee Angler Recognition Program (TARP) gives anglers an opportunity to have their trophy fish recognized by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Anglers of any age, who catch any of the qualifying fish species and lengths may apply. See the "Qualifying Species and Length Chart".

The TWRA Fisheries Management Division sends those accomplished anglers certificates featuring color reproductions of fish artwork by renowned wildlife artist Joseph R. Tomelleri. You can view and purchase Tomelleri's artwork by visiting his website at http://www.americanfishes.com/.

The program is designed to acknowledge anglers for outstanding sport fishing accomplishments, encourage catch-and-release of trophy-size fish, and provide the TWRA with information on large fish caught throughout the state.

TARP should not be confused with the Tennessee State Record Fish program that recognizes anglers who catch a new Tennessee State Record Fish (the largest fish recorded, by weight, for that species in the state.) Instead, TARP recognizes anglers who catch trophy-size fish, by length, that are not necessarily state records. If you believe your catch exceeds the current state record for that species, you should immediately contact a TWRA Fisheries Biologist for positive identification of the fish and the appropriate application.

How TARP Works

TARP features six levels of angler recognition!

Trophy Fish Certificate: Anglers submitting one (1) of any of the 27 qualifying fish species that meet or exceed the minimum "trophy" length requirements (see chart below), receive a Trophy Fish Certificate, depicting the species. *$5.00 processing fee.

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, Tennessee.

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.