News  Fishing awards winners announced

MassWildlife’s Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program recognizes anglers who catch exceptional freshwater fish from Massachusetts waters that are open to the public. Anglers who catch fish that meet a minimum weight or length can submit proof of their catch and receive a bronze pin. Gold pins are awarded to anglers who catch the largest fish in each species category.

Congratulations to the 2025 winners

Angler of the Year awards are given to the person who catches the most species that meet the minimum weight or length requirements in each category.

Highlights from 2025:

• Cam Tucker of Gill is the Adult Catch and Keep Angler of the Year. He caught 12 of the 24 eligible species.
• Carter Flagg of Gill is the Youth Catch and Keep Angler of the Year. He caught 14 of the 24 eligible species.
• Andrew Langley of Peabody is the Adult Catch and Release Angler of the Year. He caught 21 of the 24 eligible species.
• There was a 4-way tie for Youth Catch and Release Angler of the Year: Kyler Leslie (Petersham), Ryker Leslie (Petersham), Jack Ostriker (Grafton), and Carter Polette (Natick) each caught 23 of the 24 eligible species.
• 2 new Catch and Release state records were set and 1 Catch and Release state record was tied
   

MassWildlife hosted an award ceremony to present gold pins and Angler of the Year awards to participants. Take a look at photos from this event. 

Check out a complete list of the 2025 top catches by species.

Enter your catch and join the fun! There is plenty of time to get involved in 2026. Learn more about the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program and submit your catch at mass.gov/dfw/sportfishing-awards