Fish Records
Since the 1940s, LOWA has curated the Louisiana Fresh and Saltwater, Rod & Reel and Fly Fish Records. Every year LOWA honors the anglers voted by the LOWA Fish Records Committee to have had the most significant catch in the previous year in both Rod & Reel and Fly Fishing Divisions.
Rules
General Rules
- Application must be filled out completely – missing information may result in disqualification.
- Species must be listed in current records.
- All species of fish must be examined by a Fish Biologist from the Louisiana Dept. Of Wildlife & Fisheries or a Biologist or recognized authority from a local college or university. Physical examination if it’s a new #1 record, or by photo for 2nd – 10th place. That individual will correctly identify the species, verify all data and will check the fish for any signs of mutilation from shooting, foul hooking, snagging or other violations.
- A $25.00 (non-refundable) Money Order or personal check must accompany each individual application to cover verification expenses. It should be made out to: LOWA Fish Records.
- Any member of LOWA in the State will assist participants in completing the application.
The current records are for fish that rank in the Top Ten in species weight. Anglers whose catches are ranked in the Top Ten in state records will receive a certificate from LOWA and will be eligible for the LOWA Fish of the Year Award!
- Fish must be caught in Louisiana waters with access to the general public. If caught offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, the fish must be caught from a boat fishing out of a Louisiana port and weighed in Louisiana. For Toledo Bend fish to be eligible, or fish from other border waters, the fish must be caught by an angler fishing out of a dock on the Louisiana side and the angler must land and weigh the
fish on the Louisiana side. - Fish must be caught by a sporting means (hooked by the mouth) on rod, reel and line or some other conventional form of regular fishing tackle.
- Fish caught on hand lines, set lines or any form of net, trap or seine is not eligible. Fish mutilated by shooting, foul hooking, snagging, or by other fish (such as sharks) are NOT eligible.
- Fish caught using electric reels or other such types of mechanical reel assists (winches, etc.) are NOT eligible.
- Only one person may handle the rod, reel or line while the fish is being hooked, played or landed; except that one person may assist by using a net or gaff to land the fish after it has been brought to the side of the boat.
- Application must be filled out completely.
- Only scales inspected by the Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture may be used. The total weight must include fractional weight information. For larger fish, scales regularly inspected and used in salt water rodeos at major boat docks are acceptable. However, fish must be examined by a Biologist from the scientific community. Indicate whether scales are standard or digital on application.
- A clear photograph showing the side of the fish from nose to tail must be submitted with the application, along with a photo of the angler and rod/reel used to catch the fish. LOWA reserves the right to publish/distribute any photographs. Digital photos are preferred. Send a printed copy with application and also email JPG file (or a link to the file) using our contact form (be certain to check the box marked “Fishing Records”.
- Each application must be signed by the angler making the application for a record and by two witnesses who declare that they personally witnessed the weighing of the fish and that the weight shown is correct.
- Completed applications, photographs and $25.00 processing fee should be sent to the chairman of the Fish Records Committee of the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association c/o:
LOWA Fish Records
13168 Bayou Terrace Dr
St Amant, LA 70774
** if you pay online (below), you must include a copy of your PayPal receipt - Applications will be automatically rejected if:
- any rule is violated
- application fee is not enclosed
- application is improperly filled out or incomplete
- rules check off page is omitted
- Application must be submitted within 60 days of catch.
- Fish must be caught in Louisiana waters with access to the general public. If caught offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, the fish must be caught from a boat fishing out of a Louisiana port and weighed in Louisiana. For Toledo Bend fish to be eligible, or fish from other border waters, the fish must be caught by an angler fishing out of a dock on the Louisiana side and the angler must land and weigh the
fish on the Louisiana side. - Fish must be caught by a sporting means (hooked by the mouth) on rod, reel and line or some other conventional form of regular fishing tackle.
- Fish caught on hand lines, set lines or any form of net, trap or seine is not eligible. Fish mutilated by shooting, foul hooking, snagging, or by other fish (such as sharks) are NOT eligible.
- Fish caught using electric reels or other such types of mechanical reel assists (winches, etc.) are NOT eligible.
- Only one person may handle the rod, reel or line while the fish is being hooked, played or landed; except that one person may assist by using a net or gaff to land the fish after it has been brought to the side of the boat.
- Application must be filled out completely.
- Only scales inspected by the Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture may be used. The total weight must include fractional weight information. For larger fish, scales regularly inspected and used in salt water rodeos at major boat docks are acceptable. However, fish must be examined by a Biologist from the scientific community. Indicate whether scales are standard or digital on application.
- The class tippet shall be a minimum of 15″ long and the breaking strength may be no greater than 20 lbs. A heavier mono or wire shock (not to exceed 12″), may be used. There is no limit to the breaking strength of the shock leader. The leader/tippet with shock attached, along with the fly, must be submitted (Fly will NOT be returned to angler).
- A clear photograph showing the side of the fish from nose to tail must be submitted with the application, along with a photo of the angler and rod/reel used to catch the fish. LOWA reserves the right to publish/distribute any photographs. Digital photos are preferred. Send a printed copy with application and also email JPG file (or a link to the file) using our contact form (be certain to check the box marked “Fishing Records”.
- Each application must be signed by the angler making the application for a record and by two witnesses who declare that they personally witnessed the weighing of the fish and that the weight shown is correct.
- Completed applications, photographs and $25.00 processing fee should be sent to the chairman of the Fish Records Committee of the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association c/o:
LOWA Fish Records
13168 Bayou Terrace Dr
St Amant, LA 70774
** if you pay online (below), you must include a copy of your PayPal receipt - Applications will be automatically rejected if:
- any rule is violated
- application fee is not enclosed
- application is improperly filled out or incomplete
- rules check off page is omitted
- Application must be submitted within 60 days of catch.
If you wish to participate in the Fish Records, download the appropriate form, fill in on your computer, then print & sign (Applicant, 2 Witnesses and Fish Biologist). Once signed, include the form, photographs and fees to submit for consideration (Please note: all applications are held for 30 days before certification is sent to allow for rebuttals):
For first place submissions only, a physical I.D. at a Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries location is required. Click here for a list.
If you need to identify your fish first, submit for visual inspection by carefully filling the form below. Include at least one high resolution photo of each side (head to tail) and one of the head. Freshwater fish will be identified by Ricky Moses, Saltwater fish will be identified by Jason Adriance.
Hunting Records
The Louisiana Big Game Records are compiled by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), Wildlife Division. The Louisiana Big Game Records Program was initiated in 1979 by LOWA. The program is based on the Boone and Crockett system for White-Tailed Deer. In addition to White-Tailed Deer, a category was established for Wild Turkey. The Wild Turkey measuring system is based on spur measurements in millimeters. Categories include: Firearm, Archery, Crossbow & Muzzleloader.
In 1992, LDWF’s Deer Program and LOWA expanded the records program to include a three-year Louisiana Big Game Recognition Program. The Recognition Program recognizes deer and turkey that meet the minimum recognition requirements over a three-year span. Minimums for the recognition program are listed alongside the all-time requirements.
To be eligible, game must be measured by either a Boone and Crockett or LDWF certified measurer. All entries must be submitted by the Certified Measurer on an official score sheet; only net scores are considered for entry. LDWF certified measurers offer scoring at no charge to the public.
Big Game Records & Recognition Lists are viewable on the LDWF website.