Million Dollar Bounty Posted on Florida's Largemouth Bass Record

LAKE WORTH, Fla., May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Bass fishermen will want to stow a digital camera in the tackle box this summer for a chance to win $1 million for catching a record largemouth bass anywhere in Florida.

BountyFishing.com, the place where anglers compete for cash prizes uploading photos of the biggest fish, announced on May 21 the Florida Million Dollar Bass Bounty - an Internet-managed tournament that will pay $1 million to the fisherman who sets the new state largemouth bass record.

The Million Dollar Bass Bounty is open to all anglers legally fishing in any public body of water in Florida from July 5 to Aug. 1, 2010.  Sign-up costs $7 per day or $19 for one week.  The first 1,000 entrants will receive a 50 percent discount by paying only $38 for all four weeks.

BountyFishing.com has partnered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the nonprofit Wildlife Foundation of Florida to use a portion of the proceeds to conserve Florida's fish and wildlife habitats for future generations.

Competition brings an added element of excitement to the fishing experience; a thrill historically reserved for the few anglers willing to haul their boats great distances and pay hundreds of dollars in entry fees.  BountyFishing.com makes tournament fishing accessible to the remaining 40 million anglers across North America, allowing them to compete when they want, where they want for just a few dollars.  BountyFishing.com's patent-pending remote tournament technology and licensed "FBI-Strength" imaging forensics determine fishing contest winners by analyzing catch photos.  Validating pictures at the end of the week, instead of weighing fish at the end of the day, allows BountyFishing.com competitors to practice immediate catch-and-release fishing, which puts minimal stress on the fish and habitat.

Florida's current largemouth bass record of 17 pounds, 4 ounces set July 1986 is impressive but not insurmountable.

In 2008, an 18 pound, 8 ounce bass caught in Florida exceeded the record but was never certified by an FWC biologist (nor was a 20-pound, 2 -ounce behemoth hooked in 1923).

Tom Champeau, FWC's Director of the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, said, "We are convinced there are state-record breaking bass swimming somewhere in Florida waters, and we want your help to find them.  Thanks to BountyFishing.com, you now have a million more reasons to go fishing in Florida."  

BountyFishing CEO and Founder Richard Shafter added, "If you're a bass angler grab a digital camera and come to Florida this July to take your shot at winning a million dollars."

To sign-up for the Florida Million Dollar Bass Bounty or the free qualifier, visit www.bountyfishing.com/FL , and half of your registration fee will be donated to the Wildlife Foundation of Florida to fund wildlife conservation projects and related public education efforts across the state of Florida.

About BountyFishing.com

BountyFishing.com provides anglers across North America the opportunity to compete in fishing contests throughout the year to win cash and prizes from the convenience of their favorite fishing spots (over $250,000 already won).  BountyFishing licensed FBI-strength image analysis software and developed patent-pending techniques to validate winners based on uploaded catch photos.  BountyFishing.com also hosts the best online fishing community of thousands who post photos, share stories, and discuss fishing topics.  For more information about BountyFishing.com and free trial of an Internet-managed fishing tournament, visit www.bountyfishing.com/FL.

About The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is a constitutional agency whose mission is to manage fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. The FWC builds on collaborations with other stakeholders who are interested in preserving our rich natural heritage. To protect and manage more than 575 species of wildlife and 700 species of freshwater and saltwater fish, the FWC and its partners apply the best available science to critical issues of climate change, human population growth and habitat loss and degradation.

About The Wildlife Foundation of Florida

The Wildlife Foundation of Florida works closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to ensure the conservation of Florida's fish and wildlife resources by identifying crucial projects, funding these projects, and educating the public about the need to conserve fish and wildlife resources. Our projects will be guided by strong conservation science and be for the benefit and education of people.

SOURCE BountyFishing.com