Awards

The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division received the 2025 Sport Fish Restoration Outstanding Project Award from the American Fisheries Society for managing DeKalb County Public Fishing Lake. Matthew Marshall and Mike Holley's team transformed the 120-acre lake through renovations, habitat improvements, and strategic stocking, resulting in doubled permit sales and a thriving quality bass fishery.

Tom Davidson Sr., founding chairman of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, was inducted into the International Game Fish Association's Fishing Hall of Fame on August 29 at Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, recognizing his lifetime of leadership in fisheries conservation.

The Alabama Bass Trail received the Media Advocate of the Year award from the Alabama Tourism Department at the Governor's Conference on Tourism Awards Banquet. The recognition honors the ABT media team's live tournament coverage and television show, which has generated over $118 million in economic impact for Alabama since 2014.

Shimano North America Fishing announced that the Curado DC 150A earned Best Freshwater Reel and the Ledge Runner claimed Best Saltwater Hard Lure at the 2026 ICAST New Product Showcase, recognizing the company's innovative fishing tackle across freshwater and saltwater categories.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is accepting nominations for the 2026 Fly Rod Crosby Outdoor Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring individuals with 40+ years of hunting, trapping, and fishing experience in Maine who have mentored others. Nominations are due by July 1st and will be reviewed by a committee, with recipients recognized at the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine Annual Banquet in September.

Sebastian Romo won Best of Show in the 2026 Fish Art Contest, organized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Wildlife Forever. The Florida student earned the contest's highest honor after placing second nationally in the grades 7-9 division.

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) announced Arthur "Art" Weston as a Master Angler Award recipient, the highest distinction in the IGFA Master Angler Program. Weston, a light tackle specialist, achieved Gold Tier status across five categories and has set 93 IGFA World Records since 2012, including a 128.37-kilogram alligator gar on 6-pound test.

B.A.S.S. is accepting nominations for the 2026 Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team, now in its 12th year. The program recognizes 12 outstanding high school anglers based on tournament performance, leadership, and conservation efforts. Applications are open through September 16, with Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. tournament manager, highlighting the anglers' commitment to academics and community service.

Wildlife Forever announced the 2026 Guy Harvey Shark Award winners, a special division of the Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest sponsored by the Guy Harvey Foundation. The award celebrates student artwork raising awareness about shark conservation, with winners receiving signed prints from marine artist Dr. Guy Harvey.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced winners of its School Fishing Program's Fishing & Conservation Challenge. Independence Classical Academy placed first, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy second, and David L. Anderson Middle School third. Prizes were provided by Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Hobie Eyewear, and Flambeau Outdoors.

Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri has been named America's Best Aquarium for a record eighth time. The 350,000-square-foot facility features 35,000 live animals and 1.5 million gallons of aquariums, and has welcomed nearly 9 million visitors since opening in 2017.

The American Museum of Fly Fishing announced that Meredith McCord will receive the 2026 Izaak Walton Award, recognizing her pioneering work in global travel angling, advocacy for women in fly fishing, and 220+ International Game Fish Association world records. A celebration will be held November 18, 2026, in Houston, Texas.

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) announced Dr. Martin Arostegui and Roberta G. Arostegui as the first recipients of the IGFA Master Angler Award, recognizing their lifetime achievements across multiple angler recognition programs. Both have been inducted into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and accumulated world records and trophy fish clubs spanning over four decades.

Lenny Rudow, founding editor of FishTalk magazine, has been named the 2026 Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award recipient by the Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission. Rudow is recognized for his 30-year career advocating for fisheries conservation, education, and sustainable angling through publications, podcasts, and tournaments throughout Maryland.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association announced nominations are being accepted for its Hall of Fame Award, recognizing individuals whose leadership and contributions have shaped the boating industry. The nomination deadline is May 14, with the award to be presented at the International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference in Tampa, Florida, October 6-8.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame Award, recognizing individuals with significant leadership and long-standing contributions to NMMA and the boating industry. The nomination deadline is May 14, with the award to be presented at the International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference in Tampa, Florida, October 6-8.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in collaboration with Wildlife Forever, announced the 2026 Florida Fish Art Contest winners across four grade brackets. Winners including Emily Jin, Savannah LaViolette, Sebastian Romo, Mila Das, and others will advance to the National Competition. FWC Commissioner Sonya Rood praised the young artists' talent and creativity in celebrating Florida's native fish species.

Tom Davidson Sr., Founding Chairman of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, will be inducted into the International Game Fish Association's Fishing Hall of Fame on August 29, 2026, at Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, recognizing his lifetime of leadership in fisheries conservation.

New York's Angler Achievement Awards Program recognized 774 anglers in 2025, including 561 Angler Award and 213 Youth Angler Award recipients. Top species caught included largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, and yellow perch, with four new state records set for fallfish, channel catfish, brook trout, and white perch.

Ryan Roberts, Senior Program Manager for the National Fish Habitat Partnership at the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, received the 2025 Conservation Partner of the Year Award from Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. Roberts was honored for his leadership in fish habitat conservation and the National Fish Habitat Partnership's work across more than 1,500 conservation projects in all 50 states.