North Carolina Angler Recognition Program (NCARP)
Any angler who catches a fish meeting specific size requirements can apply to have the catch recognized as a “trophy” fish through the North Carolina Angler Recognition Program. This program provides recognition to all anglers who catch trophy-size fish that are not large enough to qualify as state record fish. Applications to apply for the program can be found by scanning the QR code below or at ncwildlife.org.
Youth age 15 and younger may apply for a Youth Angler Recognition Program certificate. Youth certificates are available for any fish listed below and do not have to meet any minimum length and weight requirements.
NCARP Minimum Trophy Fish Weight or Length Requirements |
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Species |
Weight |
Length |
Bass |
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Bodie (striped bass hybrid) |
8 lbs. |
24" |
Largemouth |
8 lbs. |
24" |
Smallmouth |
3 lbs. |
19" |
Spotted |
2 lbs. |
15" |
Striped |
10 lbs. |
27" |
White |
2 lbs. |
17" |
Bowfin |
10 lbs. |
22" |
Carp-Common |
20 lbs. |
34" |
Catfish |
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Blue |
30 lbs. |
41" |
Bullhead (any species) |
2 lbs. |
15" |
Channel |
10 lbs. |
30" |
Flathead |
30 lbs. |
41" |
White |
4 lbs. |
21" |
Crappie (black or white |
2 lbs. |
16" |
Freshwater Drum |
12 lbs. |
28" |
Kokanee Salmon |
2 lbs. |
14" |
Longnose Gar |
10 lbs. |
48" |
Mountain Trout |
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Brook |
2 lbs. |
16" |
Brown |
2 lbs., 8 oz. |
18" |
Rainbow |
2 lbs., 8 oz. |
18" |
Muskellunge |
20 lbs. |
41" |
Perch |
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White Perch |
1 lb. |
12" |
Yellow Perch |
1 lb. |
14" |
Pickerel |
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Chain Pickerel |
4 lbs. |
26" |
Redfin Pickerel |
10 oz. |
12" |
Shad |
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American |
3 lbs. |
16" |
Hickory |
2 lbs. |
13" |
Sunfish |
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Bluegill |
1 lb. |
11" |
Flier |
6 oz. |
8" |
Green |
1 lb. |
9" |
Pumpkinseed |
14 oz. |
10" |
Redbreast (Robin) |
1 lb. |
11" |
Redear (Shellcracker) |
1 lb. |
11" |
Roanoke Bass |
1 lb. |
11" |
Rock Bass |
1 lb. |
11" |
Warmouth |
1 lb. |
11" |
Walleye |
5 lbs. |
23" |
Fish should be measured to the nearest 1/4 inch. Lay the fish on a flat surface. Using a measuring rule, measure from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail with mouth closed and tail lobes pressed together.
