Influencing Anglers: A Look at Florida's Trophycatch and Big Catch Angler Recognition Programs

TrophyCatch is a citizen-science angler recognition program through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) aimed at promoting catch-and-release fishing behavior of trophy-size Largemouth Bass. The program encourages anglers to document and release these big fish to qualify for generous prizing from corporate partners. Anglers in this program practice safe fish handling techniques and in turn provide FWC with critical catch information such as date and location of these relatively rare fish. Almost half way through our fourth season, we have over 3600 approved fish submitted into our program, with over three times that many anglers registered in our program. In addition, our Big Catch angler recognition program accepts quality-size catches of most freshwater species in Florida and includes a youth program. Using survey results sent to a sample of our program registrants, TrophyCatch and Big Catch has quickly become a way to encourage anglers in Florida to go fishing more, purchase licenses, and understand the critical need to collect these data. TrophyCatch and Big Catch are a great example of how making management transparent and relevant to the public, not only benefits the angler, but benefits our agency and the future of freshwater fishing.