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Overview

Master Angler Program

Program Overview

The Master Angler Award Program began in 1985 to recognize anglers who catch trophy fish that are not state records. There are eight categories in the program: black basses, temperate basses, bream, catfish, crappie, perches, trout, and a miscellaneous category.

How Do I Qualify?

Residents and nonresident anglers of any age are eligible to participate. If you catch a qualifying fish species that meets the minimum weight requirement, you are eligible to apply for a Master Angler award. All qualifying entries must be caught on rod and reel in Arkansas. To achieve certified Master Angler status, you must catch a qualifying fish in at least four categories. They do not have to be caught in the same year.

Categories and Qualifying Weights (in pounds)

Black Bass

Largemouth bass (8.0)
Smallmouth bass (3.5)
Spotted bass (3.5)

Trout

Brown trout (10.0)
Brook trout (3.0)
Cutthroat trout (5.0)
Rainbow trout (8.0)

Crappie

Black crappie (2.5)
White crappie (2.5)

Catfish

Blue catfish (20.0)
Bullhead catfish (2.0)
Channel catfish (12.0)
Flathead catfish (20.0)

Bream

Bluegill (1.0)
Green sunfish (1.0)
Longear sunfish (0.5)
Redear (1.5)
Rock bass (1.0)
Warmouth (1.0)

Temperate Bass

Striped bass (25.0)
Hybrid striped bass (13.0)
White bass (3.5)

Perch

Pickerel (4.0)
Saugeye (4.0)
Sauger (2.0)
Walleye (9.0)

Miscellaneous

Bowfin (9.0)
Gar (10.0)
Paddlefish (30.0)
Drum (12.0)
Buffalo (20.0)

What Will I Receive?

If you catch a qualifying fish in a single category, you will receive a pin depicting fish in that category and a letter of recognition. You are eligible to receive one pin per person, per species within each category. Once you have caught a qualifying fish in four categories and become a certified Master Angler, you will receive a certificate suitable for framing and a commemorative Master Angler coin.

How Do I Apply?

Apply using the online application form linked below.

Online Application Form

The Arkansas Master Angler Award Program recognizes anglers who catch trophy fish that are not state records. There are eight categories in the program: black bass, temperate bass, bream, crappie, perch, catfish, trout, and a miscellaneous category.