Vermont’s 2014 Master Angler Program Results
The 2014 edition of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department Master Angler program report is highlighted by two new state record fish – both caught in Lake Champlain.
“2014 was a great year for Vermont fishing all around, and the new record fish are a symbol of that, Not only did we continue to see trophy fish entries for many of the well-known species like bass, perch, pike and trout, but we also saw an upswing in the number of entries of more non-traditional fish species like bowfin, carp, and longnose gar. This is yet another indicator of the quality and diversity of Vermont’s fishing opportunities, as well as the enthusiasm of anglers to take on new fishing adventures throughout the state.” ~ Shawn Good, Vermont Fish & Wildlife fisheries biologist
The two new state records include entries for both the common carp and white perch species.
Darren Ouellette caught the new Vermont record carp while bowfishing on Lake Champlain in Shoreham. The fish weighed in at 44 lbs., 6.8 ounces and measured 41.25 inches in length.
The new state record white perch weighed 2 lbs. 9.3 ounces and was 16.6 inches long. It was caught by Anthony Austin while ice fishing on Lake Champlain in St. Albans.
“Along with the new record fish, the Master Angler program had several other highlights from 2014 including 790 trophy fish entries from 164 adult anglers and 63 youth anglers,. In total, 12 youth participants and 23 adult participants achieved Master Angler status by entering trophy fish for at least five different species, and we had a 61-percent release rate which means over half of the trophy fish submitted were released to be caught another day.” ~ Jud Kratzer, fisheries biologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife
Vermont Master Angler Program
2014 marked the fifth year for the program and saw trophy fish entries from 79 different waterways around the state, and entries from 31 of the 33 species eligible for entry in the program.
While Vermont anglers made up 94% of the participants, the program also saw participants from a other states including New Hampshire, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois, Florida, Texas and Arizona.
Lapel pin awarded to Vermont’s Master Anglers, who caught exceptionally large fish of at least five different species in 2014
“Fishing on its own is a great family adventure, but combining the Master Angler program with that experience is an extra bonus. There isn’t a fishing trip that I take with my son or daughter that doesn’t involve a conversation about the potential to catch a Master Angler fish. It provides additional motivation to get out there and I can’t think of a better way to spend time with my kids.”
“The master angler program adds value to fish species that might otherwise be overlooked. While there are similarities in techniques for various species, they usually exist in very different types of water and that makes accomplishing Master Angler status more difficult than some might assume. You find yourself exploring more, and as a result, learning more about fish and their habitat.” ~ Jeremy Baker, 2014 Master Angler award recipient
Vermont’s Master Angler program was developed to recognize the achievement of anglers who catch trophy-sized fish in Vermont waters and celebrate the growth and survival of these exceptional fish.
The program also encourages anglers to improve their knowledge of fish habitat and behavior, and to develop the necessary skills to target and catch a wide variety of fish species.
To view the full 2014 Vermont Master Angler program report, browse past fish entries or enter a trophy fish, visit http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/MasterAngler.cfm.
To learn more about purchasing a Vermont fishing license, visit http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/buylicense.cfm.