Hi,

We have had many interesting conversations internally on Trophy Fish Awards and we are in the process of expanding the Trophy Fish Award List. When the new Angler's Guide comes out it will include the new additions. Historically, we have limited the list to what has been considered a ‘Gamefish’. We recognize that our views may need to evolve to include what anglers are interested in and that we should not limit ourselves to doing things the same way simply because ‘we’ve always done it that way’. Our sport is changing and the way we think needs to keep pace. Currently, the Regulations prevent the possession of live bowfin so this fish will not be included on the Trophy Fish Award List for now.

For interested site members, I propose the following. Begin to post on this thread a list of freshwater species that you would like to see added to the list and we will consider if the species should be added and what minimum weights and lengths will be necessary to qualify. This will be based on our research and will by definition need to be in the top 10% of the maximum that we see in our waters. After all, a Trophy Fish should be a rather rare individual that is worthy of ‘Bragging Rights’. The Trophy Fish Award Program is a very important part of what we do for the anglers of the state and it should have some very high standards. All comments and opinions are welcome and wanted.

BillG