More than 300 fishermen and women reeled in a Georgia Angler Award last year in a state-run program that recognizes individuals who catch fish that meet or exceed a specific weight or length for that species, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
The program also allows the DNR to collect information and data on the genetics, age, growth, and habitats of big fish to help manage Georgia fisheries to their greatest potential.
“The Angler Award program generates excitement for anglers with rewards and recognition, which then motivates them to continue fishing throughout their life and encourages them to share their love of fishing with others,” WRD Fisheries Management Section Chief Scott Robinson said.
“The fact that we continue to see an increase in the number of angler awards issued each year hopefully means more folks sharing more fishing opportunities with more people – and that is great news for the future of fishing.”
Anglers submitting successful applications receive a frameable certificate, a t-shirt, and a custom hat to commemorate the accomplishment. All categories require the submission of an official application and photos.
In some cases, more information is required.
Anglers should review all rules and requirements for each category, and then choose the one that best fits their catch.
Angler Award opportunities include the Angler Award-Adult for anglers aged 16 and up, who can be rewarded for catching quality-size fish (kept fish or catch-and-release) that meet or beat a specific weight or length.
Additionally, there is the Angler Award-Youth for anglers aged 15 and younger, who can be rewarded for catching quality size fish (kept fish or catch-and-release) that meet or beat a specific weight or length.
Note, however, that weights and lengths are slightly reduced for youth Angler Awards.
There also is an Angler Award available for trophy largemouth bass, which recognizes catches of largemouth bass weighing 10-plus pounds. Plus, for largemouth bass weighing 13-plus pounds, a free replica mount is presented for fish that qualify.
The Public Fishing Area (PFA) Award recognizes the largest fish of each species caught and properly documented at each PFA. Species include Largemouth Bass, Black or White crappies, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Channel Catfish.
Anglers need to review all Angler Award program rules before submitting applications.
All the need-to-know info, including rules, weights/lengths, photo requirements and more is available online at GeorgiaWildlife. com/fishing/ angler awards.
Whether applying for an angler award (by weight) or trying to certify a new state record, fish must be weighed on a scale certified accurately by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. A list of certificated scales can be found online at GeorgiaWildlife.com/ fishing/angler-resources (search under “Angler Recognition Programs”).
Or, check with local stores or marinas, or reach out to the local WRD Fisheries Office at GeorgiaWildlife.com/ about/contact#fish.
Bonus Georgia DNR fishing programs:
Kids’ First Fish Certificate: Caught your first fish? Get a printable First Fish Award certificate at GeorgiaWildlife.com/my-first.
Georgia Bass Slam: This program recognizes anglers who catch at least five of the 10 black bass species found in Georgia within a calendar year. Find more info at BassSlam.com.
Trout Slam: Catch all three species of trout available in Georgia waters and earn a Georgia Trout Slam: GeorgiaWildlife.com/trout-slam.
State Records: WRD maintains a freshwater fish state-record program for anglers who land a catch that exceeds the existing record weight by one ounce or more. More information is available at GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing/recordprogram/ rules.