FWC’s Saltwater Angler Recognition Programs entice anglers to get involved and learn more about Florida’s diverse marine resources while adding to an exciting day out on the water. These programs cultivate a saltwater fishing interest in new anglers and enhance the experience for seasoned veterans already hooked on fishing. They also give anglers a chance to target more than one species during fishing trips, thereby decreasing fishing pressure on any given species.

Last fall, FWC unveiled two new Saltwater Angler Recognition programs, Saltwater Fish Life List and Saltwater Reel Big Fish, plus extra recognition tiers for completing multiple Grand Slams. With all these new opportunities to Catch a Florida Memory, there’s something for every angler in Florida to enjoy!

Saltwater Grand Slams

An FWC Grand Slam is the catch of three different specified fish species in a 24-hour period. Grand Slams increase the variety of fish species targeted on fishing trips and recognize anglers for their achievements. Successful anglers will not only be awarded a certificate, letter and t-shirt, but will also receive recognition for every three or more different grand slams submitted and will win a Grand Prize if all eligible slams are caught.

Saltwater Fish Life List

Similar to a birding life list, the new Saltwater Fish Life List allows anglers to track their progress at catching 71 particular species of saltwater fish. Anglers will be recognized for their achievements as they reach four levels based upon the number of different fish caught.

Tiers:

• 10 Fish Club
• 30 Fish Club
• 50 Fish Club
• 71 Fish Club

Saltwater Reel Big Fish

This size-based program rewards anglers who catch a memorable-sized saltwater fish in 30 different species categories. To qualify, fish must be legally caught and meet or exceed a minimum qualifying length. Successful anglers will not only receive a certificate, letter and t-shirt, but will also receive recognition for reaching four levels based upon the total number of different species entered into the program.

Tiers:

• 5 different species
• 10 different species
• 15 different species
• Reel Big Master Angler – All 30 Reel Big Fish Species

Florida Saltwater Fishing Records

State all-tackle records for the heaviest fishes caught in Florida waters are maintained for 76 marine species in both conventional tackle and fly fishing categories. Successful anglers will receive a certificate for their achievement, not to mention bragging rights! Catches must be made according to FWC and IGFA angling rules.

Program Requirements:

• All fish must be caught by the angler being recognized
• Catches must be in accordance with the Florida saltwater recreational fishing regulations at the time of the catch
• Anglers must be properly licensed or meet license exemption qualifications
• Legal recreational fishing gear must be used
• Fish do not have to be harvested and anglers are encouraged to release their fish unharmed
• Anglers must submit a program application
• Anglers must submit photographs of themselves with each fish
• Photographs may be used in any FWC publication or on FWC’s websites
• Photographs must show proper fish handling techniques (see below)
• Use proper catch-and-release techniques to minimize stress on fish
• Handle fish with wet hands only
• Do not poke fingers into the gills or eyes of the fish
• Support the body weight of the fish by cradling it horizontally
• Do not bring large fish aboard a vessel, as doing so can harm the fish or the crew
• Use a knotless rubber-coated landing net if necessary
• For more catch-and-release techniques visit www.MyFWC.com then click on “Fishing”, “Saltwater”, “Recreational” and “Fish Handling”.

For more information on FWC’s Saltwater Angler Recognition programs and to submit catches for recognition, visit CatchaFloridaMemory.com.