WWLP

Biggest fish caught this year in Massachusetts

Nick DeGray

Credit: Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

LUDLOW, Mass. (WWLP) – Think you caught the biggest fish ever? Submit your catch to MassWildlife to see if you can break the record for the largest fish caught this year.

There are three leaderboards through MassWildlife’s Freshwater Sportsfishing Awards Program. More than 20 different species of fish are recorded in three different categories: Adult Catch & Keep Sportfishing, Youth Catch & Keep Sportfishing, and Catch & Release Sportfishing.

If you catch a fish this year and think it’s record-worthy, report it to MassWildlife! At the end of the year, awards are given to fishers that meet certain requirements. A bronze pin is given to anyone that catches a fish that meets minimum length or weight requirements. Fishers that catch the longest or largest fish in a category are given a gold pin and a plaque.

To report a catch-and-release fish, take a picture of the fish next to a measuring device, such as a tape measure. In order to qualify, fishers must have a fishing license, the fish must be caught in Massachusetts water, must be caught on hook and line, and must be measured at the site of capture with a clear view of the fish flat on its side.

To report a catch-and-keep fish, bring your fish to a certified weigh station. In order to qualify, fishers must have a fishing license, the fish must be caught in Massachusetts water, must be caught on hook and line, and must be weighed on a scale certified by the Massachusetts Division of Standards. Any fish submitted must be dead and a photograph of the fish on its side next to a measuring device must be included.

It’s very important to follow all the rules in order to qualify. Full rules can be found on the MassWidlife website.

Largest fish caught this year in Massachusetts (as of June 28th)

Adult Catch & Keep Sportfishing Awards leaders:

Youth Catch & Keep Sportfishing Awards leaders

Catch & Release Sportfishing Awards Leaders