The Master Angler Recognition Program is designed to recognize anglers for success in their sport, as well as to promote the conservation of fishery resources and quality fishing by encouraging the careful release of trophy-size popular sport species.
The program offers Master Angler award certificates in two general categories: fish caught and released, and fish caught and kept. Awards are based on fish length rather than weight. (See qualifying lengths within the Master Angler brochure for details.) This allows anglers to measure fish and return them to the water alive if they choose to do so.
The State Record Released Fish program awards anglers for the longest caught-and-released fish of each species. Many new species categories were added in 2007. See the updated Master Angler brochure, for a complete list. Master Angler records by length are tallied at the end of the year for released fish and are announced at the beginning of each year on the Web site.
Master Angler Awards
Anglers who catch a qualifying-length fish will receive a Master Angler certificate and patch. State record applicants will also receive a matching Master Angler lapel pin. Only one patch per angler will be awarded each year. However, anglers who submit more than one entry will receive a certificate for each accepted additional entry.
Applying for the Master Angler Program
Anglers who wish to receive a Master Angler Award must submit an application detailing the catch. It requires one witness verification and a clear, side-view photograph of the fish. If no photograph is available, two witnesses are necessary for qualification. The fish must be hooked, played, landed and/or released on sport tackle. Snagged fish are not eligible. The catch must be made in Colorado in compliance with all state fishing regulations and be submitted within 60 days of being caught.
The Master Angler Award entry form and program information brochure can be printed out and mailed in. Information is included regarding rules, awards, qualifying lengths and the proper way to measure a fish's length. The brochure/application is also available at all DOW offices and most fishing tackle retail outlets. If further information is needed, call or write to the Master Award Program; Colorado Division of Wildlife; Aquatic Section; 6060 Broadway; Denver, CO 80216; (303) 297-1192.
Mail entry forms to Master Angler Award Program, Colorado Division of Wildlife, 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216.