Record Fish
If an angler believes they have caught a state record fish, they should check the current state records listed below. Next, weigh the fish on a scale, take clear photos of the fish with the scale weight legible, and be prepared to text or email the photos for initial verification. Keep native species in a well-aerated livewell. This is encouraged to promote conservation of these large, rare individuals. If the fish is no longer alive, the angler can keep the fish in a cooler on ice and remove the drain plug. These methods will ensure the fish maintains a weight similar to the time of the catch.
The angler must then CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE REGIONAL OFFICE HERE. To properly certify a new Florida state record, an FWC biologist must identify the fish species, and an FWC employee — usually but not necessarily the same individual — must witness its weighing on a certified scale. Contact information for FWC regional offices can be found at MyFWC.com/contact by clicking on “Contact Regional offices.” If you cannot contact the Regional Office you may leave a message for Doris Swain at 850-617-9495. These records are updated as soon as they are verified.
Certified state record fish must be legally caught using an active hook-and-line method (including a proper license or exemption) by sport fishing methods. Uncertified state records (indicated below by an asterisk) are believed accurate based on reliable witnesses and other evidence but are not certifiable, or they were caught by other than legal sport fishing methods. The uncertified records are provided just for information.
To replace a record, versus tying one, the weight difference should exceed the following: (i) nearest one-quarter ounce for fish up to five pounds, (ii) to the nearest one-half ounce for fish more than five pounds and up to 10 pounds, and (iii) to the nearest one ounce for fish more than 10 pounds. The "Big Catch" program gives recognition to anglers who catch fish that exceed the minimum "qualifying weights and lengths".
It is important to properly measure fish. The record fish application is available on line in PDF format. More information is provided about the various species on our Freshwater Fishes of Florida pages.
* Uncertified record. Strong evidence exists, but not all the reporting requirements were met.
** Following genetic and other analyses, it is now believed that redeye bass do not exist in Florida. This record was certified prior to those studies being conducted. Shoal bass have been officially described as a species primarily living in some of Florida's northern rivers.