The Trophy Fish Award Program recognizes and rewards angling skill.

Freshwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report
Saltwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

Qualifying Area Categories:

Nearshore: Inside Long Island/Fisher's Island Sound
Offshore: Outside Long Island/Fisher's Island Sound
Exotic: Rare strays to Connecticut caught inside Long Island/Fisher's Island Sound and Offshore waters
Freshwater: Caught in Freshwater

General Rules for Freshwater and Saltwater fish:

• Saltwater entries must be caught by boats leaving and returning to Connecticut ports. No overnight stays in another state prior to day(s) of fishing.
• Entries must be filed on the Official Affidavit Form.
• Fish must be caught by legal methods by only one person.
• Fish must be entered within 30 days of capture.
• Fish caught in hatchery ponds are not eligible
• Fish must be caught during Connecticut's legal open season
• A clear photograph of the fish must accompany the Affidavit Form.
• Fish must be weighed on scales certified in Connecticut (tackle shops, local markets, or delis) or other state certified scales.

Special Rules for Freshwater Catch-and-Release category:

• All of the General Rules apply except that the fish do not need to be weighed. A witness must be present when the fish's length is measured.
• A Clear photo must accompany the affidavit. This photo must include the angler holding the fish and a measure (yardstick, ruler, or tape measure) positioned to show length of the fish.
• The accompanying photo must be taken at the location where the fish was caught and released.
• Fish can not be taken from site and then transported back.
• Catch-and-Release fish are not eligible for State records.

In order to qualify for a Trophy Fish Award, the following minimum measurements are required:

Note: Minimum Lengths apply only to the Freshwater Catch-and-Release category. The minimum lengths listed below do not apply to the traditional weighed category.

Trophy Fish Award Affidavit