5/8/2003
Division of Wildlife

MASTER ANGLER AWARD PROGRAM RECOGNIZES ANGLER EXCELLENCE

Master Angler Recognition Program helps recognize anglers for excellence in their sport, promotes conservation of fishery resources and quality fishing.

The Master Angler Recognition Program is designed to recognize anglers for excellence in their sport as well as to promote the conservation of fishery resources and quality fishing by encouraging the careful release of trophy-size popular sport species.

The program offers award certificates in two general categories: fish caught and released, and fish caught and kept. Awards are based on fish length rather than weight. This allows anglers to measure fish and return them to the water alive if they choose to do so. The companion State Record Released fish program awards anglers for the longest caught-and-released fish of each species.

Entries are measured against previous records that have been submitted since the beginning of the program in 1995.

Anglers who wish to receive a Master Angler Award must submit an application detailing the catch. It requires one witness verification and a clear, side-view photograph of the fish. If no photograph is available, two witnesses are necessary for qualification. The fish must be hooked, played, landed and/or released on sport tackle. Snagged fish are not eligible. The catch must be made in Colorado in compliance with all state fishing regulations and be submitted within 60 days of being caught.

Colorado's Master Angler Award Program had a total of 239 submissions for potential awards in the year 2002, down from 300 in 2001.

"The decrease in submissions may have been due to drought conditions," said Robin Knox, Sport fish coordinator for the DOW. "It also demonstrates the perseverance of Colorado's anglers to venture out despite the drought in pursuit of sport fish."

Fishing license sales in 2002 dropped by almost 100,000 and the DOW was actually discouraging stream fishing all summer except for morning hours. Reservoirs across the state experienced greatly diminished water levels and Antero Reservoir, always a top producer, was drained.

"Regardless of the drought, loyal anglers caught and entered some great fish," said Knox.

Of the 239 trophy-sized catches submitted for consideration during 2002, 59 percent, or 142 fish, were kept, and 41 percent, 97 fish, were released.

For a more detailed report on 2002 Mater Angler Award Program entries read the Colorado Outdoors "2003 Fishing Guide." The publication contains an article by Knox that contains photos of many of the catches, a breakdown of species submitted and the bodies of water from which they were caught.

The "2003 Fishing Guide" can be purchased at DOW service centers, major news stands or by purchasing a yearly subscription to Colorado Outdoors. Master Angler Award applications and program brochures are available at all DOW offices and most fishing tackle retail outlets. They may also be downloaded from the DOW's Web site at www.wildlife.state.co.us  or by calling (303) 291-1192.

Qualified anglers receive a Master Angler certificate and patch. State record applicants will also receive a matching Master Angler lapel pin.

Mail entry forms to Master Angler Award Program, Colorado Division of Wildlife, 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216.

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