Florida Angler Recognition Program Increases

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s commitment to managing fish and wildlife resources for the benefit of people is achieved in part by providing opportunities for anglers to enjoy and help conserve the amazing array of fish and wildlife that call Florida home. FWC’s Saltwater Angler Recognition

programs entice anglers to get involved and learn more about Florida’s diverse marine resources while adding to an exciting day out on the water. These programs enhance the fishing experience for resident and visiting anglers and to those who have yet to discover the joy of fishing.

To participate in Florida’s saltwater angler recognition programs:

All fish must be caught by the angler being recognized in accordance with the saltwater recreational fishing regulations of the state of Florida at the time of the catch

An angler must be properly licensed or meet license exemption qualifications

Use legal recreational fishing gear

Fish in Florida state waters where the angler has legal access

Your submissions to this program including photos and other data provided to the Florida Angler Recognition program constitute a release for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to use them without compensation or further notice for research, information and other public purposes, such as being posted on the FWC website.

Fish do not have to be harvested for the purpose of this program. If a fish is to be released and photographs are required, recreational fishing regulations apply:

In addition, to minimize stress on fish:

Handle fish with wet hands only

Do not poke fingers into the gills or eyes of the fish

Support the body weight of the fish by cradling it horizontally

Do not boat large fish, as doing so can harm the fish

Use a knotless rubber-coated landing net if necessary

For more Catch & Release techniques check out the link below:

Catch and Release BrochureAdobe PDF

Photo Rules

All submitted photos may be used in any FWC publication or on the website. Images must be at high resolution at least 1 MB.

Preferred formats include .jpg or .tiff files.

Original files from digital cameras or hard copy prints are acceptable.

Images should not be embedded in a Word document, .pdf or .ppt, etc.

Photo GuidelinesAdobe PDF

Grand Slams: New and Improved

Apply Today

FWC’s Grand Slam program is conducted in collaboration with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). A Grand Slam is defined as the catch or catching and releasing of three different species in a 24-hour period. All Grand Slam catches, past and present, are eligible as long as they can be documented and have been caught in a 24-hour period and in accordance with FWC and IGFA rules. Anglers will not have to harvest their fish to be eligible, and are strongly encouraged to release their catches alive.

Photographs are required and may be used in various FWC publications as well as MyFWC.com. Fill out the application Adobe PDF and mail with photos to: IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, FL 33004 or email: HQ@igfa.org.

Each time an angler gets a grand slam, they will receive a certificate of accomplishment and a t-shirt with the fish from that slam on it. There will be 8 slams plus a Small Fry Slam for children 15 and under.

Traditional slams submitted before Nov. 29 will still count. However, any fish caught for the purpose of the Grand Slam Program after Nov. 29 must meet the new programs requirements.

The New Grand Slams are:Blue Water Grand Slam