Iowa Fishing Regulations - Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Master Angler Award
The Master Angler Award, sponsored by the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources, recognizes the accomplishment of anglers who
catch memorable fish in Iowa. If you catch a fish eligible for a Master
Angler award, fill out the entry blank on the opposite page. For many
species, you may release the fish and still receive a Master Angler
award by meeting the minimum length criteria. Length is measured
from tip of the snout to the tip of the tail (p. 33), except paddlefish,
which are measured from the front of the eye to the fork in the tail
and sturgeon which are measured from the snout to the fork in the tail
(p. 13). If there is some doubt about species identification, contact the
nearest DNR personnel for verification. One witness must attest to the
length of the fish to the nearest ¼ inch.
Fish must be taken with a valid Iowa fishing license and must be
caught by legal methods conforming to provisions of the Iowa Code.
The application may either be completed online at
www.iowadnr.gov/fishing/masteranglerfirstfish.aspx or submitted using
the form (opposite page) and mailed with a photo, or emailed with
an electronic photo to: holly.luft@dnr.iowa.gov of the angler and
fish. Photo will be returned. If the application is completed online, the
applicant will need to email a photo to the above address. A Master
Angler award certificate and car/boat decal will be sent for each
qualifying entry. Silver and gold levels will also receive a medallion.
Please Note: Only one Master Angler award and one certificate will
be given annually per fish species and only one lifetime award for
each Silver and Gold Master Angler level.
Master Angler award levels
1. Master Angler - catch one fish meeting the minimum length criteria
of any species listed on p. 40. You will be sent a certificate with
picture (if one is submitted with entry form) and a car/boat decal.
2. Silver Master Angler – catch five different species meeting the
minimum length criteria listed on p. 40. You will receive a certificate,
Silver Medallion, and a car/boat decal.
3. Gold Master Angler - catch ten different species meeting the
minimum length criteria listed on p. 40. You will receive a certificate,
Gold Medallion, and a car/boat decal.
38