Catch a really big fish? You might have a new state record. Did you know the biggest Largemouth Bass NYS record holder is 25.5 inches long, weighed in at 11 lbs 4 oz, and was caught with a spinnerbait at Buckhorn Lake in Otsego County back in 1987?

Each year, New York State's lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams produce large numbers of trophy-sized fish. The New York State's Angler Achievement Awards recognize the anglers who caught the heaviest freshwater fish of the year from 43 different species in New York State's lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams. The three categories that make up the program are Catch and Release, Annual Award (kept fish) and State Record.

To participate in the awards program, simply follow these guidelines:

  • Fish must be taken by angling in New York State waters in accordance with New York State fishing regulations.
  • Fish must meet the minimum qualifying weight or length for that species and the entered category.
  • Fish entered in the Annual Award and State Record categories must be weighed on a certified scale by the owner of the scale or an employee, and must be witnessed by at least one other person.
  • Fish submitted as a potential State Record entry must be identified by a DEC biologist or a designee.
  • Qualifying fish must be entered on an official entry form or facsimile.
  • All entries must be accompanied by a clear, side-view photograph of the fish or the angler with the fish.
  • Entry forms must be received by DEC's Bureau of Fisheries within 30 days of the catch.

For more specific information on the rules, see Rules for Entry. Download the Entry Form, here or you can obtain one from any DEC Regional Fisheries Office, or by writing to NYSDEC, Bureau of Fisheries, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4753.

If you catch a really big fish we want to see too!


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