The Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) recognizes angler’s outstanding catches through two programs. The WRD recognizes angler’s outstanding catches through the Angler Award Program and the Freshwater State Record Program.

All game fish, in addition to carp, catfish, bowfin, gar and yellow perch are eligible for the Angler Award Program and the Freshwater Fish State Record programs. Residents as well as non-residents are eligible to participate.

The Angler Award Program runs from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 each year. Applications must be received no later than Jan. 15 following the year of the catch. Applications, minimum weights/lengths for species and full program details are available at any Fisheries office and at www.gofishgeorgia.com.

Applications for the Freshwater Fish State Record must be submitted within 90 days of the catch. To qualify as a new state record a fish must weigh at least one ounce more than the current state record to be considered.

All fish entered into either of these programs must be caught using sporting tackle and must be hooked by and landed by the entrant. Fish caught on bush hooks, trot lines, baskets, jugs, nets, etc. will not be considered since those methods are not considered sporting tackle.

To enter either program, an angler must submit an application and a clear side view photograph of the fish. The fish must be weighed in the presence of two witnesses, both of who must be 18 years old and not a member of the entrant’s immediate family. Both witnesses and the owner of the scale, if not a witness, must provide an address and telephone number on the application. Fish must be weighed on a scale that has been certified accurate to the nearest ounce by the Georgia Department of Agriculture within the last year.

Witnesses are not necessary if the fish is weighed on a certified scale at a Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Office. Fisheries Office locations near Milledgeville include Fort Valley (478-825-6151) and Social Circle (770-918-6400). A WRD, Fisheries Section staff member must identify the fish and sign the application.

Anglers whose fish qualify as a Freshwater Fish State Record will receive a certificate when the record becomes official and Angler Award winners will receive a certificate during January of the year following the catch.

If you catch a fish which you think may be a new state record there are several things you need to do. This includes:

1. Do not clean or freeze the fish.

2. Keep the fish cool, preferably on ice.

3. Weigh the fish on certified scales.

4. Take the fish immediately to a WRD Fisheries Office to have it positively identified.

5. Complete an application within 90 days of the catch.

This same information can be submitted to the Georgia Outdoor News if you think your fish will qualify as a Lake Oconee record catch. Georgia Lake Records are maintained by the Georgia Outdoor News and they can be reached by calling 706-343-0001.

For a complete listing of all Georgia state record fish, minimum weights for all fish species and for official application forms visit the Department of Natural Resources Web site at www.gofishgeorgia.com. For a complete listing of all Georgia Lake Records contact the Georgia Outdoor News.

Good fishing and see you next week.