Hi All,

I am looking for clarification on how to correctly submit a trophy fish for the angler recognition program through TPWD. I've read through the official website and want to make sure I understand.

My understanding is that there are two approaches.

Approach 1: Bring your Scale
1 - Obtain an IGFA approved and calibrated scale
2 - Catch fish
3 - Measure and weigh fish, and take pictures
4 - Release the fish with a witness present
5 - Complete and submit application form with witness
6 - optional - Notarize the application for State records

Approach 2: Visit a Weigh Station
1 - Catch fish
2 - Measure fish, and take pictures
3 - Take the fish to an Official Weigh Station
4 - Complete and submit application form
5 - optional - Notarize the application for State records

A few questions:
- What can I do if I am fishing a catch-and-release body of water alone?
- Are there IGFA approved scales that I can buy off the shelf?
- What would it cost to have an existing scale validated (I have a Berkley digital scale)?
- I didn't see anything about "approved rulers" to measure length. Are there any specs on this?

Any feedback will be helpful, especially for those who might have an award! Thank you all, and tight lines!

P.S. our main man Chuck was featured on a TPWD video, check it out!

Call the records/awards program direct. (903) 670-2275 or (903) 676-2277. They will tell and explain exactly what to do the right way.


Side Note: Just about all of my records are in the small sunfish category. For a Catch Release record I can simply place my fish in a lid covered bucket with an aerator on to keep the fish alive until I can get a witness to the live release. I even do the same for the weight records. I keep the fish alive until I get to a certified scale for weighing. That way I can release a "Trophy Fish" to breed again. I usually fish with friends and for the most part they are present during record catches. For bigger fish use a live stringer until a witness is available for the release. You can also use a bigger container to transport. Make sure you have a adequate aerator to keep bigger fish alive and that the container is full of the water where the fish is taken from. Just my two cents.

You're the man Chuck! I appreciate your help!

Howdy Lino_NTX,

Most of the scales on the low end can't be calibrated. A lot of people use the Brecknell scales. Others of us use small table top scales. The Brecknell scale can be calibrated to the tenth of a pound. The table top scale I have can be calibrated to the hundreth of a pound. Your local scale company can perform the calibration. The TPWD asked me for a copy of the calibration this year.

Certified scales must be calibrated yearly.

Thank you J-Moe! This is really helpful!

+1 thank you Chuck for allowing pot licker and I to fish with the master during the show

I send my scales to the IGFA and have them certified annually for $40 a scale.

The "Records Master" should know!