This award program recognizes those who catch fish that meet or exceed a specific weight or length for that particular species. This year, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) will introduce three new additional award categories recognizing even more angler catches!
“We are excited about these new opportunities to recognize even more great fish that Georgia anglers are catching,” says Matt Thomas, chief of the WRD Fisheries Management Section. “These new programs give us the chance to put the spotlight on youth and adult anglers, those catching lunker largemouths, and those reeling in the big ones from our Public Fishing Areas.”
Angler Award Opportunities
- Angler Award, Adult: Anglers (age 16 and up) can be rewarded for catching quality size fish (kept fish or catch-and-release) that meet or beat a specific weight or length.
- Angler Award, Youth: Anglers (age 15 and younger) can be rewarded for catching quality size fish (kept fish or catch-and-release) that meet or beat a specific weight or length. Note: weights and lengths reduced for youth Angler Awards.
- Trophy Largemouth Bass: Recognizing catches of largemouth bass weighing 10+ pounds. Catch one that is 13+ pounds? Get a free replica mount!
- PFA Record: Recognizing the largest fish of each species caught and properly documented at each PFA. Species include Largemouth Bass, Black or White Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Channel Catfish.
To view all Angler Award program rules, find weights/lengths, current records, 2018 angler award winners, and award recognition information, etc., visit https://georgiawildlife.com/fishing/anglerawards.
Other Fishing Recognition Programs
- State Records: In addition to the angler award program, the division also maintains a freshwater fish state-record program for anglers who land a catch that exceeds the existing record catch weight by one ounce or more. More information at http://georgiawildlife.com/fishing/recordprogram/rules.
- Kids First Fish Certificate: The division wants to recognize children across the state for catching their first fish with the online kid’s first fish award certificate available at https://georgiawildlife.com/my-first.
Spending any amount of time fishing, is time well spent. Angler Awards might just make that fishing trip even more fun. More on fishing in Georgia at http://georgiawildlife.com/fishing/angler-resources.
