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Master Angler Program

Manitoba is home to the oldest master angler program in North America, 62 years and going strong. Last year alone, more than 10,000 trophy fish from 30 qualifying species were caught and recorded - and almost 92% of those were released!

Your Own Official Record

Every qualifying Master Angler fish you catch is honoured with a certificate recording your success. A unique certificate is given to those anglers who catch-and-release a trophy fish. Set aside a special place to display the highlights of your Manitoba angling adventures.

Catch and Release Badge

The Sign Of Things To Come

The Manitoba Master Angler Catch-and-Released badge is given to those individuals who release a qualifying fish. The growing number of badges awarded each year is a strong sign of anglers' overall commitment to ensuring the future of our fisheries resource.

Approximately 87% of the entries registered in the program are released by anglers, up from 65% in 1991, when the program first began tracking the percentage of fish released. Start your own catch-and-release practice by earning the one-time Catch-and-Released badge.

Looking Back...

From its modest beginning when the first badges and certificates were issued to 480 anglers catching trophy fish of seven different species, to today with 30 species and over 360,000 registered trophy fish, the Master Angler program provides an awards system that recognizes anglers’ abilities and achievements.

From its inception the program was an instant success, and in 1986 the Master Angler program was computerized due to its continued popularity and growth.The first automated awards were issued in 1987. Presently, over 10,000 entries are registered in the program each year, including entries to the Li’l Angler Program, introduced in 2002.

Join the Masters

The criteria for entering a Master Angler qualifying fish are:

  1. Registered fish must be caught in Manitoba in accordance with provincial angling regulations.
  2. Anglers must use a hook and line to make the catch.
  3. A horizontal measurement photo of the entire length of the fish against a ruler, measuring tape or bump board. An action photo is optional.
  4. The date your fish was caught.
  5. The body of water in which it was caught.
  6. Your name and mailing address.

View full rules

Make it a practice to keep a camera ready for all the trophies that come your way!

Submit Your Catch Online