N.H. anglers have till Jan. 31 to enter trophy fish contest

Caitlin and Colin of Madbury, N.H., hold Caitlin's largemouth bass caught in the Bellamy Reservoir last July and recently entered in the 2016 Trophy Fish Program. (Courtesy image)

CONCORD, N.H. - If you live in New Hampshire, caught a big fish in 2016 and want to enter the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Trophy Fish Program, applications must be submitted by Jan. 31.

Entrants can find an application and see some past New Hampshire trophy fish winners (as well as State Record Fish) at www.fishnh.com/fishing/trophy.html.

New Hampshire's Trophy and Record Fish programs provide opportunities for anglers of all ages to receive recognition while giving biologists important information on the state's fisheries over time. The Department has collected information on State Record fish since 1911. The Trophy Fish Program, which recognizes the largest fish of various species caught in New Hampshire during the calendar year, was established in the 1970s.

All successful Trophy Fish Program applicants receive a shoulder patch just for submitting their catch information. Each February, the person with the largest fish in each species category, kept or released, is awarded a special certificate.