There isn’t an angler who hasn’t dreamt about reeling in a record-breaking fish. Be it for personal achievement or global recognition, there’s something utterly satisfying about laying your hands on a trophy catch. But there’s one more thing everyone loves doing just as much – talking about it, of course! So, let us talk you through some fish records.
In the following sections, you’ll learn more about state fish records and how they were made. Along with inspiring facts and an overview of how it all began, we’ll include practical guidelines on what to consider when submitting your own application for the next record-breaker.
We’ll be updating this article and adding more state and world achievements as new fish records emerge. Meanwhile, here’s what we’ve prepared for you…
What are you interested in?
Do you know what the biggest fish ever caught in Florida was? Or the largest Catfish in North Carolina? What about the Texas state record for Largemouth Bass or the Minnesota Walleye record? We have the answers to these and many other similar questions below. To see all the record-breakers by species for Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Minnesota, and California, click on the following links:
It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment in history when documenting big catches became a practice but the earliest record of a never-before-seen behemoth was made in 1817, long before the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) was established. The unbelievably large fish was a Sturgeon caught on the Black River in New York. This colossal creature weighed an astonishing 1,387 pounds and was a pure delight!
After the foundation of the IGFA in 1939, many anglers started reporting their catches, and states across the country began the practice of record-keeping. This paved the way for competitive angling which quickly gained popularity in the mid-20th century. Soon fishing was all about setting state and world records. By the 1980s, sportfishing and record-chasing were on every angler’s mind across the country – and the world.
The approval of state records is a well-regulated process that involves several steps. The steps, however, vary depending on the state and its fish record requirements. Below, we’ll list the steps that typically all states follow when certifying a catch as the next record-breaker.
While the exact requirements differ across the country, each state will ask you to meet these criteria before your fish (and you!) can enter into the hall of fame:
Once you’re ready to submit your fish as a state record candidate, go to the Fish and Wildlife website of the state where you caught your fish. Each agency offers a free application form you can download. These forms usually ask you to specify:
After you submit your Application Form, the authorities will verify the information you’ve provided. Bear in mind that incomplete applications won’t be taken into consideration, so always double-check that you included everything that was required.
The verification process may last longer than expected as it may take some time for the agencies to confirm everything. We know it might be nerve-racking to wait but, at this point, that’s all you can do. Fingers crossed the waiting pays off!
After the authorities have reviewed your application and approved it, you’ll be notified of the outcome. If your catch qualifies as the new state fish record, you’ll receive a certificate that reflects this. Some states will also award you a prize pack and different angling-related passes.
The newly-appointed title of a record-holder comes with fame, too. Not only will you be mentioned in various publications and featured by media outlets, but your photos and achievements will also be used in press releases and even promotional materials. Long story short, you’ll serve as an inspiration to aspiring anglers dreaming of catching their own trophy.
While it might take some time to overthrow some species from their throne, it isn’t impossible. Fish records aren’t set in stone. The majority of anglers often return their prized catches to the water, so these giants are still lurking around – and even growing! Get out on the water and you could be a new record-holder and a proud owner of a trophy fish that everyone will talk about!
We’ll keep on updating this article with new fish records. In the meantime, you keep on looking for that leviathan of yours. Tight lines!
Did you find all the information you needed? What state fish record was a surprise for you? If you have any additional questions or angling stories to share, hit the comment button below and tell us all about them.
Tanya is a Content Creator at FishingBooker and a secret admirer of all things weird and wonderful beneath the waves. The waves, however, are her archnemeses (#seasickness). But she got hooked on angling in 2016 and there was simply no way back. Fishing became her reel passion, and she hasn't stopped casting lines and spinning tales about it ever since.
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