The Skillful Angler Program is designed both to supplement the New Jersey Record Fish Program and to acknowledge that many anglers catch freshwater and marine fish that are not record size but are still worthy of recognition because the size and weight of the fish sufficiently tested the angler’s skill. Open to resident and non-resident anglers. All fish must be caught in New Jersey waters using a hook and line during legally open seasons.

Saltwater species taken from a boat must have been caught from a boat that left from, and returned to, a New Jersey port during the same trip.

Anglers can now submit their application and photo(s) electronically! Program rules and steps to enter are found here NJFishandWildlife.com/skflang.htm. Anglers qualifying for a Skillful Angler award receive a certificate along with a Skillful Angler patch as a testament to their achievement. The Program has three main divisions: Adult (for anglers age 16 and older), Junior (under age 16) and Catch and Release (based on length). A clear, side-view photo that allows accurate species identification must be included with each application. Additional good quality (and high resolution) photos with the angler are welcome and appreciated.

The Skillful Angler Program recognizes different levels of fishing expertise. An angler who submits five applications of qualifying size for the same species will receive a Specialist Certificate and patch. An angler who submits five applications of qualifying fish of different species will receive a Master Certificate and patch. Catch 10 or more qualifying fish within the year, and the angler will earn an Elite Angler Certificate and patch.

For new anglers, the Program also recognizes your first fish caught no matter the age of the angler. Qualified anglers will receive a First Fish certificate. There are also four “Slam” categories — an Inshore Slam 1, Inshore Slam 2, Offshore Pelagics Slam and Marlin Slam. For the Inshore Slam 1, an angler must submit qualifying applications for a striped bass, bluefish and fluke. For the Inshore Slam 2, an angler must submit qualifying applications for black sea bass, tautog, and weakfish. The Offshore Pelagics Slam will be obtained if an angler submits qualifying applications for bluefin tuna, bigeye tuna, yellowfin tuna and dolphin. For the Marlin Slam, an angler must submit qualifying applications for a white marlin and a blue marlin.

Each month, the leaders of each category and species will be posted on our Skillful Angler Leader Board webpage. At the end of the year, special recognition is given to anglers who catch the largest fish in each species category. The winner of each category is sent a special certificate recognizing his/her accomplishment along with a winner’s patch as the best of New Jersey’s Skillful Anglers.

Fish must be measured from the tip of the nose (with mouth closed) to the tip of the tail. For catch and release categories, the fish must be measured and photographed alongside a ruler. For Adult/Junior Division, fish must be weighed and measured by a fishing license agent, tackle shop or authorized Fish and Wildlife fisheries biologist.

Anglers must submit a photograph of the fish caught, alongside a ruler for clear identification and measurement verification. Be sure the rule markings are legible. All photos become the property of the NJDFW and may be used for promotional purposes.

To apply, go to: www.NJFishandWildlife.com/pdf/fwfisheries/skflangapp-fresh.pdf.