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Florida "Big Catch" Angler Recognition Program | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eligible Fish Species and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Species | Total Length | Total Weight | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | Youth | Adult | Youth | |
| Largemouth bass | 24" | 18" | 8.00 lbs. | 6.00 lbs. |
| Redeye, Spotted & Suwannee bass | 16" | 12" | 2.00 lbs. | 1.50 lbs. |
| Striped bass | 30" | 22" | 12.00 lbs. | 9.00 lbs. |
| Sunshine bass | 24" | 18" | 7.00 lbs. | 5.25 lbs |
| White bass | 15" | 11" | 2.50 lbs. | 1.75 lbs. |
| Black crappie | 14" | 10" | 2.00 lbs. | 1.50 lbs. |
| Bluegill | 11" | 8" | 1.25 lbs. | 0.75 lb. |
| Redbreast sunfish | 10" | 7" | 0.75 lb. | 0.50 lb. |
| Redear sunfish | 12" | 9" | 2.25 lbs. | 1.50 lbs. |
| Spotted sunfish | 8" | 6" | 0.50 lb. | 0.40 lb. |
| Warmouth | 10" | 7" | 0.75 lb. | 0.50 lb. |
| Flier | 9" | 6" | 0.75 lb. | 0.50 lb. |
| Channel catfish | 31" | 23" | 15.00 lbs. | 11.25 lbs. |
| Flathead catfish | 36" | 27" | 25.00 lbs. | 18.75 lbs. |
| White catfish | 22" | 16" | 5.00 lbs. | 3.75 lbs. |
| Blue catfish | 34" | 25" | 20.00 lbs. | 15.00 lbs. |
| Brown bullhead | 16" | 12" | 2.00 lbs. | 1.50 lbs. |
| Yellow Billhead | 14" | 10" | 1.50 lbs. | 1.00 lb. |
| Longnose gar | 50" | 37" | 20.00 lbs. | 15.00 lbs. |
| Florida, spotted gar | 28" | 21" | 5.00 lbs. | 3.75 lbs. |
| Alligator gar | 68" | 51" | 70.00 lbs. | 52.50 lbs. |
| Chain pickerel | 27" | 20" | 4.00 lbs. | 3.00 lbs. |
| Redfin pickerel | 12" | 9" | 0.63 lb. | 0.50 lb. |
| Common carp | 30" | 22" | 20.00 lbs. | 15.00 lbs. |
| Butterfly peacock bass | 18" | 13" | 5.00 lbs. | 3.75 lbs. |
| Oscar | 11" | 8" | 1.25 lbs. | 0.75 lb. |
| Blue tilapia | 18" | 13" | 5.00 lbs. | 3.75 lbs. |
| Bowfin | 30" | 22" | 10.00 lbs. | 7.50 lbs. |
| American shad | 18" | 13" | 4.00 lbs. | 3.00 lbs. |
| Skipjack herring | 16" | 12" | 1.50 lbs. | 1.00 lbs. |
Big Catch And Angler Recognition Program
The Big Catch and Angler Recognition Program rewards anglers who catch a memorable-sized fish. Qualifying anglers receive a colorful citation showing the type fish they caught and a window sticker to proudly display their prowess.
In addition, anglers who release their fish get special recognition. An angler catching five "Big" fish of the same species will be recognized as a "Specialist," fish of five different species qualifies as a "Master Angler," and 10 different species as an "Elite Angler." A special youth citation and pin is given to an angler under age 16 for catching a fish that is at least 75 percent of the qualifying size (see above for specific sizes).
Results for Specialists, Masters and Elite Anglers will be published, so participants are encouraged to submit photographs. To qualify, the fish must be legally caught and exceed the minimum length or weight specified above. The catch must be witnessed and a BIG CATCH form completed.
NOTE: To certify a state-record fish, it must be legally caught and inspected by a FWC biologist and weighed on a certified scale. If you believe you have caught a record fish, keep it alive or place it in ice water. Do not freeze the fish because it will lose weight when thawed. As soon as possible, call the nearest FWC office to arrange to have a fisheries biologist meet with you.
Our mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
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