Freshwater Big Catch Angler Recognition Program

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Bass fishing in Florida's freshwater lakes and rivers is a great family activity.

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

Information on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Freshwater Big Catch Angler Recognition Program

To help commemorate your outstanding catches, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will send you a full-color certificate illustrating the species of fish you caught, personalized with your name and details about your catch. In addition, you will receive a colorful angler recognition decal for your car or boat.

Although it is not required, we encourage catch-and-release, so we're making it easier than ever to participate. All you need now is a total length, witnessed by one other person, and if you release the fish, a special catch-and-release seal will be added to your certification. Remember, state record fish require special handling to be officially recognized.

How to Enter

There are 33 species of freshwater game fish eligible for "Big Catch" recognition, ranging from 8 inches and a half-pound for a spotted sunfish, to 68 inches and 70 lbs. for an alligator gar.

Among the minimum qualifying sizes for the most popular species are the following: black bass--24 inches or 8 pounds; black crappie--14-inches or 2-pounds, and bluegill--11 inches or 1.25 pounds. Applications are available in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's "Fishing Regulation Summary" booklets, and at many bait and tackle dealers. Information on how to measure fish is available.

Kids Fishing--It's Catching On, Make Them a Winner Too

Family fishing is an outstanding way to enjoy nature and spend quality time together. To add to the excitement, we have lowered the big catch qualifying size limits by 25 percent for youths under age 16, and in addition to sending them a youth's "Big Catch" Certificate and sticker, we will send them a pin declaring they are a "Big Catch" Program Winner!