FWC adds species to angler recognition program | News, Sports, Jobs – SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

PHOTO PROVIDED
Dennis Triana with a vermillion snapper.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its saltwater angler recognition program, Catch a Florida Memory, recently added two new qualifying Reel Big Fish. Anglers can now earn recognition for vermilion snapper and saltwater catfish.

To qualify for a Reel Big Fish achievement, a fish must reach or exceed the qualifying length listed for each species in youth (under age 16) or adult categories. The qualifying length for vermilion snapper is 17 inches for adults and 13 inches for youth; the length for saltwater catfish — gafftopsail or hardhead — is 22 inches for adults and 16 inches for youth. All catches must be photographed over a qualifying measuring device clearly showing the exact full length of the fish; a photo of the fish with the angler submitting the catch is also required.

The new additions give inshore and offshore anglers new goals to keep them on the water targeting a variety of fish species. Vermilion snapper and saltwater catfish are also great table fare and are worth taking home to try out a new fish recipe, the FWC reported.

Anglers who submit an approved Reel Big Fish receive a certificate, custom-designed T-shirt by Tony Ivory Art and Apparel, Tervis tumbler from Discover Martin County, monthly raffle entry to win prizes from partners like Mount This! Fish Company and SeaDek Marine Products, and other goodies. New recipients will also be listed in the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Regulations booklet and on the Club Members page. Anglers who are missing a photograph of their fish over a measuring device can be awarded a Reel Big Fish Honorable Mention digital certificate instead, which is emailed to the angler.

Looking to catch even bigger fish? The FWC maintains state records in conventional tackle and fly-fishing categories for 81 species caught in state waters or in federal waters extending directly outward of state waters. Saltwater record-holders receive a certificate of accomplishment, prize pack, recognition in publications and a custom ink fish print to memorialize their catch by Fish Print Shop.

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Gafftopsail catfish caught by Anthony Carta.

For more information, visit CatchaFloridaMemory.com.