HARRINGTON — A fish tank inside the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Building at this year’s state fair may appear like just a display, but its inhabitants will soon be a prime target for fishers as 2023 comes to a close.

Three tagged largemouth bass will soon be placed in each Delaware county for the department’s first Largemouth Lunker Fishing Contest, which begins Aug. 1 and will conclude Dec. 31.

For the contest, one tagged bass will be placed in New Castle County’s Lums Pond, Kent’s Killens Pond and Sussex’s Trap Pond, giving fishers a chance to win a number of prizes, including a four night stay in any Delaware State Park cabin, cottage, yurt or campsite; an annual Delaware State Parks pass for 2024; and a commemorative trophy honoring the achievement.

Pat Emory, director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, said the idea spurred from conversations with Division of Parks and Recreation Director Ray Bivens, which led to incorporating the bass in the department’s state fair festivities to give fishers a first look before the competition officially begins.

“This will give anyone who comes into the DNREC Building that wants to give it a shot an opportunity to see what they should be looking for in terms of what the bass is going to look like and how the tag will be placed,” Mr. Emory said.

“We thought it was a great idea because its something that will involve each county. People that regularly fish will be interested, and it might get people who don’t typically fish to buy a fishing license to see if they can catch one of them and win the prizes we’re offering.”

To win the prizes offered for catching a tagged bass, fishers must take a picture and clip the tag to present it to the Division of Fish and Wildlife for confirmation. From there, winners will select the Delaware State Park of their choosing in addition to receiving their prizes.

“The more people we can get to come in and see the kinds of things we have for the fair and all the different things that state parks have to offer… The more we’ll be able to educate people, that’s what it’s all about,” Mr. Emory said.

For more information on the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s 2023 Largemouth Lunker Fishing Contest, visit mailchi.mp/delaware.gov/fishingcontest