MassWildlife’s Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program recognizes anglers who catch exceptional freshwater fish from Massachusetts waters that are open to the public. A portion of this program is being suspended due to the COVID-19 situation, but there are still ways to participate in this fun program.
COVID-19 and the 2020 Sportfishing Awards Program
The Catch and Keep category, both Youth and Adult categories, of the Sportfishing Awards Program has been suspended until further notice. Fish in the Catch and Keep category must be weighed on a certified scale to be eligible for the program. Since most public certified scale locations are no longer open due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, MassWildlife is temporarily halting this portion of the program. Consequently, fish caught or submitted on or after March 16 will not be accepted. Submissions are still being accepted for Catch and Release category since the only requirements for entry are a picture of the fish with a measuring device.
Don’t let this disruption keep you off the water! Fishing is still open and it’s a great way to relax outdoors while social distancing. Remember to remain 6 feet away from other people while participating in outdoor activities.
Submit your entry online
Save time and a stamp by submitting your Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program entry using the online affidavit. Just enter information about you and your catch, upload a photo of your fish, and click submit! Online forms are processed faster than paper forms, allowing MassWildlife to award pins and update the leader board more quickly. The online Catch and Release affidavit may be found by visiting http://form.jotform.us/form/50616601074144 today.
2019 Winners
Winners of the 2019 Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program have been announced. Angler of the Year awards are given in three categories to the person who catches the most species that meet the minimum weight or length requirements. Check out a list of the 2019 top catches by species online at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/gold-pin-winners.
Here are a few highlights of the 2019 awards:
- Jonathan Beauchesne of North Grafton is the Catch & Keep Adult Angler of the Year. He caught 14 of the 22 eligible species.
- Alice Christmas of Pittsfield is the Catch & Keep Youth Angler of the Year. She caught 16 of the 22 eligible species.
- Matthew Menard of Brookfield is the Catch & Release Angler of the Year. He caught 21 of 22 species.
- 4 new state records were awarded in the Catch & Release category.
