National directory
Youth programs
Requirements, rewards, evidence rules, and the official application link for 15 programs. Details are as of 2026; confirm on the official page before you submit.
Delaware 1
| Program | Organizer | Type | Reward | Cost | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament (Citations, Elite Angler, Live Release, Youth)Weigh at official station; Elite = 5 species/yr | DNREC | Trophy and master angler, Youth | Framed Duane Raver citation, pins, Big Fish plaques | Free | No (mail) |
Florida 1
| Program | Organizer | Type | Reward | Cost | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Catch33 freshwater species min length/weight; Specialist/Master/Elite tiers | FWC | Trophy and master angler, Youth | Digital certificate | Free | Yes |
Georgia 1
| Program | Organizer | Type | Reward | Cost | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Angler Award (Adult/Youth/Trophy Bass/PFA Records)Species minimums; trophy bass 13 lb or larger | GA DNR WRD | Trophy and master angler, Youth | Certificate, hat (up to 3), t-shirt, prize drawing | Free | Yes |
Illinois 1
| Program | Organizer | Type | Reward | Cost | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Fishing Awards (Grand Slam, Master Angler, Big Fish, C&R, Junior)Min lengths; Grand Slam = 5 of 6 family groups | IDNR / ifishillinois | Slam or challenge, Trophy and master angler, Youth | Recognition | Free | No (mail) |
Massachusetts 1
| Program | Organizer | Type | Reward | Cost | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Sportfishing Awards ProgramSpecies minimums (adult/youth); keep or C&R; 30 days | MassWildlife | Trophy and master angler, Youth | Bronze pin; gold pin plus plaque for largest; Angler of Year | Free | Yes |
Minnesota 1
| Program | Organizer | Type | Reward | Cost | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hall of Fame Master Angler (Master/Expert/Grand Master)1/3/5 trophy species in calendar year; adult and youth | MN Fishing Museum & Hall of Fame | Trophy and master angler, Youth | Web listing plus certificate | Free | Yes (browser cert) |
New Jersey 1
| Program | Organizer | Type | Reward | Cost | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skillful Angler Program (Adult, Junior, C&R, First Fish, Specialist/Master/Elite, Slams)43 species; 30 days; weighed by authorized agent (adult/junior) | NJDEP Fish & Wildlife | First fish, Slam or challenge, Trophy and master angler, Youth | Certificate plus patch | Free | Email/mail |
New York 1
| Program | Organizer | Type | Reward | Cost | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angler Achievement Awards (Angler / Youth / State Record)40 species min lengths; 30 days | NYSDEC | State record, Trophy and master angler, Youth | Species stickers ("collect all 40"); plaque/pin for records | Free | Yes |
North Carolina 1
| Program | Organizer | Type | Reward | Cost | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NC Angler Recognition Program (NCARP)Species min weight or length; youth 15 and under exempt from minimums; Master Angler… | NC Wildlife Resources Commission | Trophy and master angler, Youth | Downloadable certificate; Master Angler cert plus patch | Free | Yes (Qualtrics) |
Pennsylvania 1
| Program | Organizer | Type | Reward | Cost | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angler Award (Senior / Junior / Catch-and-Release)Species min weights (C&R by length); PA public waters | PA Fish & Boat Commission | Trophy and master angler, Youth | Certificate plus 1 patch/yr | Free | No (mail PDF) |
Rhode Island 1
| Program | Organizer | Type | Reward | Cost | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children's First Fish CertificateFirst fish | RIDEM | First fish, Youth | Signed certificate plus gift | Free | No (mail) |
South Carolina 1
| Program | Organizer | Type | Reward | Cost | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angler Recognition Program (incl. Fintastic Youth)6 species (LMB 10 lb/26", striper 40 lb/45", etc.) | SCDNR | Trophy and master angler, Youth | Certificate | Free | Yes |
Vermont 1
| Program | Organizer | Type | Reward | Cost | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Angler Program34 species min lengths (youth lower); 5 species/yr = Master pin | VT Fish & Wildlife | Trophy and master angler, Youth | Certificate; annual report; lapel pin | Free | Yes |
Wyoming 1
| Program | Organizer | Type | Reward | Cost | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Fishing Challenges7 challenge options | WY Game & Fish | Youth | Certificates | Free | Yes |
National 1
| Program | Organizer | Type | Reward | Cost | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Take Me Fishing First Catch CentersLearn-to-fish events | RBFF | First fish, Youth | First-catch recognition | Free | n/a |