Awards

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) announced Dennis Triana as a Master Angler Award recipient, the highest distinction in the IGFA Master Angler Program. Triana achieved Gold Tier status across five categories with 194 IGFA World Records for 68 species across 13 countries, joining Dr. Martin Arostegui, Roberta G. Arostegui, and Arthur "Art" Weston as Master Angler Award recipients.

The American Museum of Fly Fishing announced that Jack Nicklaus will receive the 2027 Heritage Award on March 9, 2027, in North Palm Beach, Florida. Nicklaus, an avid angler and conservationist, has served on the boards of The Everglades Foundation and Fly Fishers International, and founded the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) received NASBLA's Compass Award for their groundbreaking Ohio Recreational Boating Memorandum of Understanding, the first of its kind in the United States, establishing standardized procedures for transportation projects affecting recreational waterways.

ACR Electronics received the National Boating Safety Award from the Sea Tow Foundation for its campaign promoting electronic visual distress signaling devices (eVDSDs) as safer alternatives to pyrotechnic flares. The award, presented at IBEX 2026, recognizes ACR Electronics' and sister brand Ocean Signal's multi-channel efforts to drive maritime industry adoption of electronic flare technology.

CCA Florida invites anglers and families to the 2026 STAR Awards Ceremony and Banquet presented by Florida's Sports Coast on October 10 at Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus in Wesley Chapel. The event celebrates youth participants in the STAR Competition presented by Yamaha, Florida's largest family-friendly fishing competition, with tickets at $20 for kids and $50 for adults.

The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inducted five new members: Don Iovino, Pam Martin-Wells, Takahiro Omori, Rick Pierce, and Mike Whitaker. Bill Dance received the Ray Murski Lifetime Achievement Award. The ceremony raised over $150,000 for the Hall's exhibit, scholarship, and conservation programs.

Tom Davidson Sr., founding chairman of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), was inducted into the International Game Fish Association's Fishing Hall of Fame on August 29. Davidson's leadership transformed BTT from a small group of anglers into a globally recognized conservation organization that has conducted groundbreaking research on bonefish, tarpon, and permit across multiple countries.

The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is accepting nominations through Nov. 1 for individuals or organizations who've made significant contributions to fishing in Texas. The 2026 inductees—the Pierce brothers (Clayton and late Jason) and Michael Scherer—will be honored at a ceremony this October at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens.

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.