In July 1996, the Florida "Big Catch" program was revamped so you can submit a fish based on its total length (the maximum length from the tip of the snout, with the mouth closed, to the back of the tail, with it pinched together) and one witness. In addition, a new youth category was developed with the qualifying size reduced by 25 percent. a Moreover, three special categories were developed to challenge the avid angler. Specialists are recognized for catching five qualifying fish of a single species. Master anglers receive a special certificate when they report catching five different species of qualifying fishes, and Elite anglers, the most prestigious category, are those who collect "Big Catch" certificates for 10 different species of fish. Details can be found in the "Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 1997-98 Sport Fishing Regulations Summary," which is available wherever fishing licenses are sold, by calling 1-800-ASK-FISH, or at the Commission’s "Big Catch" web site (www.state.fl.us/FWC/fishing/bigcatch/bigcatch.html). All of the current specialists and masters are listed there as well.

In less than a year, the new "Big Catch" program has issued 564 adult "Big Catch" certificates and 88 youth certificates. Largemouth bass have accounted for the greatest number with 292 certificates issued. Of those, 18 were 15 pounders or more, and five would have set a new official state record (17.27 pounds) had they been weighed on a certified scale and examined by a Commission fisheries biologist. Other potential state records were reported for spotted bass (3.75 pounds tying the record), flier (1.33 pounds exceeding the 1.24 record), white catfish 22.5 pounds beating the 18.88 pound record), common carp (42.24 pounds versus the 40.56 pound record), butterfly peacock bass (9.50 pounds compared to the 9.08 record) and oscar (2.50 pounds beating the 2.34 pound record). So remember, next time you catch a lunker think about the current state records and remember--to qualify the fish must be legally caught, weighed on a certified scale and examined by a Commission fishery biologist.

So far, five anglers have achieved "Master" status and 14 "Specialists" have been recognized. No one has made it to the "Elite" category but Stacy Blackburn, of Milton, Florida, is well on the way with eight species collected.

Recent weather conditions combined with an increasing emphasis on habitat management and restoration, and more stringent rules to help provide optimum-sustained use of Florida’s freshwater fisheries have generated outstanding fishing in recent months. As the cry of "Wow that’s a Whopper" is heard over and over, the FWC expects to help more anglers celebrate their success with entry into the "Big Catch" program.