The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be hosting the ‘Second Annual Trophy Fish Award Ceremony’ at the Northeast Fishing and Hunting Expo in the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday February 27, 2010. Fifty-five anglers will be presented certificates recognizing their achievement of having caught or landed the largest fish in one of several species categories during 2009.
The new Annual Trophy Fish Award Ceremony is an extension of the Department’s Trophy Fish Award program. Established in 1965, this program recognizes anglers for catching freshwater and saltwater fish of qualifying size. Anglers complete and submit an affidavit with an attached photo of their catch. There are categories for anglers that practice catch-and-release fishing as well as for those who harvest their catch.
“Each year, the Department recognizes the achievements of up to 200 anglers for having caught truly remarkable fresh and saltwater fish,” said Bill Hyatt, Chief of DEP’s Bureau of Natural Resources. This ceremony will recognize those who caught the largest fish during 2009. “Fishing is an activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family and it can be done close to home. These awards demonstrate the excellent fishing opportunities that we have right here in Connecticut,” said Hyatt.
Among the award recipients is Steven Wasilewski, who submitted what turned out to be a new state record, a common carp from the Connecticut River. This fish measured 38 inches in length and weighed in at 40.5 pounds. Steven’s catch beat the previous state record by one pound (39.5 lbs, caught by Bill Terry, Sr. on the Naugatuck River in 2001). Following a trip to a nearby bait & tackle shop for a weigh-in, this monster was returned alive to the CT River.
Additionally, DEP will be recognizing several anglers as “Angler of the Year”. Special recognition will be awarded to two freshwater and three saltwater anglers who received Trophy Fish Awards in the widest array of categories in 2009. “This award is intended to promote an awareness of some of Connecticut’s less familiar species,” explained Dave Simpson, Director of DEP’s Marine Fisheries Division.
More information about the Trophy Fish Award Program is available in the 2010 Connecticut Angler’s Guide, on the DEP website (www.ct.gov/dep), or by contacting the Inland Fisheries Division (860-424-FISH) or the Marine Fisheries Division (860-434-6043).
Opening Day of Fishing is Saturday, April 17. Fishing licenses can be purchased on-line at: http://www.ct.gov/dep/fishinglicense
