Master Angler Information

The Master Angler Patch is awarded to all entries meeting the established minimum length criteria and that adhere to program requirements described below. All fish must be taken by legal Michigan sportfishing methods, during the open season, and in Michigan waters OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. A photo of the fish being measured by a standard ruler or measuring tape MUST be included in the entry application. Only one entry will be accepted per fish species that are the same length and submitted by the same angler. DNR Fisheries Division reserves the right to reject any application if the entry does not meet the established criteria. Only 1 patch per species will be awarded to each angler per year.

• The Master Angler patch is awarded to anglers who meet the species-specific minimum length and other program requirements. Anglers catching a State Record fish also receive a patch.
• Measuring the length of your fish: Measure your fish from the tip of the nose (or lower jaw) to tip of the tail in a straight line. Do NOT measure in a curve or over the body. Measure to the closest 1/8". Use a standard ruler or measuring tape and take a picture while measuring the fish as required for the program.
• Applications are only accepted through the online Master Angler form. The deadline for submitting an entry for fish caught in 2025 is January 10, 2026. Color photos of the fish, including at least one of the entire fish being measured with a device that clearly shows and verifies the length must be submitted along with the application. Applications and photos may ONLY be submitted via the online form. Need help submitting? Call 517-284-5830.
• State Record Fish are recognized by weight only. To qualify, your fish must exceed the current listed State Record weight and identification must be verified by a DNR fisheries biologist. See the list of Customer Service Centers on the General Information page and plan on calling ahead for fisheries biologist availability
  

Length Measurement Directions

Measure fish from tip of nose (or lower jaw) to tip of tail in a straight line (DO NOT measure in a curve around the body from nose to tail). Measure to the closest 1/8". Tail and jaw should be pinched to get proper measurement.

When releasing a fish...

Please follow these suggestions to reduce the risk of injury to the fish when practicing catch-and-release:

• Never use a gaff.
• Land your catch carefully and quickly. Avoid handling the fish at all and remove the hook gently with pliers.
• Use a landing net made of soft or knotless mesh and always try to net your fish head first.
• Try to keep the fish in the water and gently cradle it while carefully removing the hook.
• Leave your fish in the water until you are ready to take a photo.
• Do not squeeze the fish and keep your fingers out of the fish’s gills since a torn gill could cause the fish to bleed to death.
• Touch your fish as little as possible. Always wet your hands before touching your fish.
• Cut the line near the hook if a fish is deeply hooked. A steel hook will rust away leaving the fish unharmed.
• Release your fish, pointing it into a slow current or gently moving it back and forth until its gills are working properly and the fish regains its balance. Once fully recovered, allow the fish to swim from your hand.

Minimum Entry Lengths & Current State Records

Must meet minimum length and include a picture of fish being measured. Submit entries at Michigan.gov/MasterAngler