General Rules & Eligibility

1. Fish must be caught in Manitoba in accordance with provincial angling regulations.
2. To ensure consistency, the program only recognizes fish caught during the provincial angling regulations open season for the waterbody and species.
3. Catches must also be in accordance with the waterbody-specific regulations of the provincial fishing division where the fish is caught.
4. Fish must be caught using active angling with a rod and reel. Fish caught by netting, snagging, trapping, spearing or bowfishing do not qualify.
5. Participants must provide accurate information for each fish submission, including species, length, date and the name of the lake or body of water where it was caught. Submissions that are incomplete, contain inaccurate, or misleading information will be rejected. Additional supporting information may be requested where necessary.
6. Submissions need to be made within one year of the catch.
7. Qualifying fish must be submitted digitally through the Master Angler Awards website or mobile app.
8. Anglers may submit all qualifying catches. However, due to processing capacity during peak season, only the first five submissions of the same species per angler per day will be reviewed and processed during peak periods. Additional submissions of that species, as well as high-volume submissions from anglers who submit large numbers of fish of the same species, may be held for review and processed after peak periods.
9. Approved submissions may be revoked if they were approved in error or if new information is received that affects eligibility or compliance with program rules.

Photo Requirements

1. All submissions must have a horizontal measurement photo of the entire length of the fish on a flat surface, measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail against a ruler, measuring tape or bump board to qualify for a Master Angler Award, as illustrated below. An action photo is optional but highly encouraged.
   
   
   
   
2. Photos showing vertical gill, eye, weigh scale or fish stringer holds will not qualify. Fish showing signs of improper handling will be rejected. Photos showing blood will not be posted on the Master Angler website. See Fish Handling Best Practices.
3. Photos of fish that are severely injured and unlikely to survive catch and release, or that are frozen, will not qualify as catch and release.
4. If there is a discrepancy between the length of the fish in the submission and the length in the submission photo, Travel Manitoba will defer to the length on the measuring tape or bump board.
5. Thumbnail or screen captures from a mobile device or desktop computer will not qualify.
6. Photos must not be digitally altered in any way that affects the appearance of the fish, measurement tools, or the measurement process. This includes image alterations or edits that make the fish appear larger or smaller, change its physical characteristics, modification of the measuring device or otherwise misrepresent the catch. Submissions featuring altered images will be rejected.
7. All pictures provided will become the property of Travel Manitoba and may be used for publishing on the website or in promotional materials.

Program Administration, Conduct and Compliance

Travel Manitoba is the sole and final authority on the acceptance of submissions.

Travel Manitoba is committed to maintaining a respectful and safe environment for participants and employees. Abusive or disrespectful behaviour, including but not limited to personal attacks, use of profane or degrading language or threats will not be tolerated and will result in participants being banned from the program.

Suspected violations of program rules will be addressed in accordance with the established policy governing non-compliance for the Manitoba Master Angler Program, which outlines the process for review, corrective action, and the application of consequences.

Master Angler Non-Compliance Policy

Awards

Each angler is eligible to receive one bronze, silver, gold, and release pin, along with the accompanying certificate, as well as one specialist pin for each qualifying species. All pins and certificates will be mailed to the angler. Lost or damaged pins will not be replaced. PDF certificates for all qualifying catches will be available in the angler’s Master Angler account.

Manitoba Conservation

The Manitoba Conservation Officer Service protects public safety, our natural resources and the environment through education and enforcement. Officers check anglers on a regular basis and also conduct roadside check stops. To help make your angling experience enjoyable, please be aware of Manitoba’s angling and Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) regulations. Information regarding a violation against Manitoba’s fisheries, wildlife or forestry can be reported to the Manitoba Conservation Officers Service Turn In Poachers (T.I.P.) Line, toll-free, at 1-800-782-0076. Travel Manitoba reserves the right to report violations.