KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT of
FISH & WILDLIFE RESOURCES

• Trophy Fish/Master Angler Award Program
• State Record Fish Program

  

Anglers who catch, by pole and line, any one fish meeting the length requirements below may qualify for the Trophy Fish/Master Angler Awards Program. Anglers who catch three different species of trophy status are eligible for the Master Angler Award. There is no time limit in which the three different species must be caught, but each catch must be documented and registered as a trophy fish with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife since the program began in 1987. Species counted toward a Master Angler Award may not be duplicated.

Anglers qualifying for a Kentucky Trophy Fish Award will receive a collectable Kentucky Trophy Fish lapel/hat pin. An angler may only receive one pin per year, but each Trophy Fish caught counts toward the Master Angler Award.

All applications for Trophy Fish/ Master Angler Award must be received by Feb. 1 the following year to qualify for a lapel/hat pin.

Anglers must register on-line here to receive their lapel/hat pin and Trophy Fish Certificate. A photo of the catch must be submitted along with the Trophy Fish/Master Angler application.

Complete details are available by calling 1-800-858-1549 or by clicking here.

To qualify for the state record fish program, fish must be caught in Kentucky waters by a rod and reel or pole and line only. Fish taken on commercial gear, by trotlines, gigging, snagging, by hand or bow fishing are not eligible.

Fish need to be weighed on a scale certified for legal trade and witnessed by three people must sign the record application.  The fish must be identified in person by a KDFWR fishery biologist  or the manager of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery and not filleted, gutted or cut up.

Applications for the state record fish program are available by calling 1-800-858-1549 or online or from your District Fisheries Office: