Michigan Master Angler Award Program

The Michigan DNR has a neat program to spark interest in fishing throughout the state called the "Master Angler Program". Here is some specific information from the website:

2015 marks the 42nd 'birthday' of Michigan's highly successful Master Angler Program. Launched in 1973 to better recognize anglers who catch unusually large fish, the Master Angler Program began with just 19 species of fish eligible to win distinctive Master Angler shoulder patches. In 1992, the catch and release category was established. Today, more than a quarter-century later, the Program has expanded to include 50 various species for which anglers may compete for honors. The list of catches eligible for recognition ranges from such seldom-caught species as the northern hogsucker to the commonly sought yellow perch and walleye. At the end of each calendar year, recognition certificates are awarded to anglers entering the top five fish in each category

One of my goals for 2015 is to catch a 30 pound carp and submit it for consideration in the "Michigan Master Angler Program". Judging from some of the past award winners, a 30 pounder with 35 - 36 inches of length would probably qualify for an award.

Here is a link to the 2015 application: Master Angler Program

The waiting game