Anglers can be recognized for record catches!

Anglers in Georgia not only have a fabulous state to fish in, they also have an opportunity to be recognized for the catches they make, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).  Anglers who catch new state records (fish whose weight exceeds the previous record by one ounce) or those who catch a fish that meets or beats a specific weight limit for that species (angler award) are eligible for recognition.

Information about angler awards and state record fish can be found on the WRD website at www.gofishgeorgia.com or in the Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations Guidebook available at all WRD offices and all license agents.

Fish must be caught in Georgia during the legal angling season for the species taken in accordance with all fishing laws and regulations.  Fish must be caught on sporting tackle and be hooked and landed by the entrant (bush hooks, trot lines, jugs, baskets, nets, etc. are not considered sporting tackle).  In order for a catch to be recognized, anglers should follow these steps:

• Do not clean or freeze the fish
• Keep the fish cool, preferably on ice.
• Weigh the fish as soon as possible on scales certified accurate to the nearest ounce by the Georgia Department of Agriculture in the presence of two witnesses who are over the age of 18 (witnesses must provide names/addresses and telephone numbers and may not be members of the anglers immediate family).  Scales that meet these requirements typically are found at grocery stores, WRD offices, some marinas, etc.
• Take the fish to a WRD Fisheries Management Office as soon as possible and have it positively identified by a WRD Fisheries Biologist or Technician.
• Complete an application and submit with a clear side view photo of the whole fish.  State record applications must be received within 90 days of the catch.  Angler award applications must be received by Jan. 15 for fish caught in the previous year.

For more information about fishing opportunities in Georgia, visit the WRD website at www.gofishgeorgia.com or call a WRD Fisheries Management Office.