Master Angler Award

• 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 live well 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.

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.