OutdoorNebraska

OutdoorNebraska.org | 29 State Records and Master Anglers If you make an outstanding catch, it may qualify for either a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission State Record or a Master Angler Award. Application forms are available from: Game and Parks offices, conservation officers, permit vendors, OutdoorNebraska.gov/fisheriesforms, and this guide. STATE RECORD RULES • Fish must be caught in accordance with Nebraska fishing regulations by rod and reel, underwater spearfishing, surface spearing, or archery and must be taken from Nebraska waters. • Fish must be weighed on an accredited or certified scale. A commercial measuring tape or stick should be used to measure the fish. • Only fish that exceed the current record by at least one ounce are eligible for a state record. • Two witnesses, one of which must be a permanent employee of Game and Parks, must witness the weighing and measuring of the fish and sign the application. The angler must display a Nebraska fishing permit to the Game and Parks employee who witnesses the weight. • One clear photograph showing a close-up side view of the fish and one clear photograph showing the angler with the fish must accompany the completed application. All photographs become the property of Game and Parks. • A Game and Parks fisheries biologist must verify the species of fish, and the fish must be preserved flat until the species is verified. • Game and Parks may collect fish scales, tissue or spine samples to check fish identification and to refuse any questionable application. • Game and Parks may revoke a state record if the record holder is found in possession of illegal fishing gear or has been cited for repeated fishing violations that cast suspicion on the authenticity of the record catch. • No fish caught from any aquaculture or commercial put-and-take facility is eligible. • Applications must be submitted within 30 days of the date the fish was caught. MASTER ANGLER RULES • A fish need not be harvested or verified by a Game and Parks employee to receive a Master Angler. • All fish must be taken from Nebraska waters. • If a fish is caught from private waters, a valid fishing permit is required to receive the award. • Fish must be taken by hook-and-line, not bank lines or set lines. • Fish must be legally hooked, played and landed by the applicant. • The catch must be verified by a Game and Parks employee, a permit vendor, a witness, or a photograph. • Anglers 16 years of age or older must possess a valid 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 livewell or on a stringer must meet the minimum weight requirement. • Anglers may receive only one award based on weight per year for each species. Catch-and-release awards are unlimited. • Anglers who release a Master Angler fish will receive a Catch and Release Master Angler pin in addition to the Master Angler certificate.

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