Grand Slams and State Records

The Florida Saltwater Grand Slam program is managed by the FWC in partnership with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). Grand Slams challenge anglers to catch three specific fish species in a single day and were created to increase the variety of species targeted by anglers. There are currently four Grand Slam challenges: Panhandle, West Coast, South Florida and East Coast. Though the names of these grand slams are in honor of the fish often caught in those regions, anglers can earn any of the four grand slams regardless of what region they are fishing in. For example, you can get a South Florida grand slam while fishing in north Florida so long as you catch a bonefish, tarpon and permit within a 24 hour period. Successful applicants receive a certificate signed by both the President of the IGFA and the Executive Director of the FWC to recognize their achievement.

Another challenge hosted by the FWC is the Florida State Records program. There are currently 76 species eligible for state records in both conventional tackle and fly fishing categories. Almaco jack and vermilion snapper were both recently added to the list of eligibility and several other species are now being considered.

In addition to the programs mentioned, there are several exciting new programs currently being developed by the FWC. The intention of the new programs is to cultivate a saltwater fishing interest in new anglers as well as expand the activities of those already “hooked” on fishing.