Master Angler Awards
If you take an outstanding catch, it may qualify for a Game and Parks Commission Master
Angler Award. Application forms are available from any Commission office, conservation
officer, or permit vendor. Rules include:
- All fish must be taken from Nebraska waters.
- Fish must be taken by hook and line. Fish caught on banklines are not eligible. Fish must be
hooked, played and landed by the applicant for the award.
- The catch must be verified. This may be done by an employee of the Game and Parks
Commission, a permit vendor, a witness or a photograph.
- Anglers 16 years of age or older must possess a current Nebraska fishing permit and enter the
permit number on the application.
- Only fish immediately released are eligible for an award based on length. Any fish kept
in a livewell or on a stringer must meet the minimum weight requirement to receive an
award.
- Anglers may receive only one award, based on weight, per year for each species. There
is no limit on the number of awards per year based on length.
- Anglers who release a Master Angler fish will receive a "Catch and Release Master Angler"
pin, in addition to the Master Angler certificate.
- Minimum weights must be met to qualify for a Master Angler Award for a harvested
fish.
- Minimum lengths are used strictly for Master Angler Awards for an individual fish that
was caught and released.
| MINIMUM WEIGHTS AND LENGTHS FOR MASTER ANGLER AWARD |
| Species |
Length |
weight |
| Bass - Largemouth |
20 in. |
5 lbs. |
| Bass - Smallmouth |
18 in. |
3 lbs. |
| Bass - Spotted |
18 in. |
3 lbs. |
| Bass - Rock |
11 in. |
1 lb. |
| Bass - Striped |
32 in. |
10 lbs. |
| Bass - Striper hybrid |
24 in. |
8 lbs. |
| Bass - White |
17 in. |
2.5 lbs. |
| Bluegill |
10 in. |
1 lb. |
| Buffalo |
26 in. |
10 lbs. |
| Bullhead |
15 in. |
2 lbs. |
| Burbot |
16 in. |
1 lb. |
| Carp |
32 in. |
15 lbs. |
| Catfish - Blue |
40 in. |
30 lbs. |
| Catfish - Channel |
30 in. |
12 lbs. |
| Catfish - Flathead |
32 in. |
15 lbs. |
| Crappie |
15 in. |
2 lbs. |
| Drum |
22 in. |
5 lbs. |
| Eel |
24 in. |
1 lb. |
| Gar |
40 in. |
8 lbs. |
| Goldeye |
16 in. |
1.5 lbs. |
| Muskie/Tiger Muskie |
40 in. |
15 lbs. |
| Paddlefish |
45 in. |
50 lbs. |
| Perch - Yellow |
13 in. |
1.25 lbs. |
| Perch - White |
12 in. |
1 lb. |
| Northern Pike |
36 in. |
10 lbs. |
| Sauger |
21 in. |
3 lbs. |
| Saugeye |
23 in. |
5 lbs. |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon |
28 in. |
2.5 lbs. |
| Sucker |
18 in. |
2 lbs. |
| Sunfish |
10 in. |
1 lb. |
| Trout - Brook |
14 in. |
1 lb. |
| Trout - Brown |
22 in. |
4 lbs. |
| Trout - Rainbow |
23 in. |
5 lbs. |
| Walleye |
28 in. |
8 lbs |
|
