Congratulations to Local 2011 Gold Pin Winners

Adapted from a MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs press release:

This past weekend, officials from the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) hosted two ceremonies honoring more than 80 of the state's top freshwater and saltwater anglers at the Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition at the DCU Center in Worcester and two Greenfield men were among the honorees.  Shane Emerson caught the largest Carp, weighing  39lbs  10oz, in the Connecticut River in Montague and Lance Bristol caught the largest Walleye, 8lbs 14oz, in the Connecticut River in Gill.

On Saturday, February 11, DFG’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildife) Director Wayne MacCallum presented the annual Freshwater Sportfishing Awards. On Sunday, February 12, DFG Commissioner Mary Griffin and Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) Director Paul Diodati recognized winners of the Saltwater Fishing Derby.

"Across the state, anglers of all ages and abilities can find spectacular lakes, ponds, rivers and coastlines for fishing," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. "We're pleased to honor these outstanding anglers for their big catches."

"These awards honor some of the most skillful anglers in the Commonwealth and point to the incredible quality of fishing opportunities in our marine and inland waters,” said DFG Commissioner Griffin, whose office includes DMF and MassWildlife. “We hope these awards inspire young people and adults to get out and enjoy fishing and the many other outdoor activities Massachusetts offers."

For a complete list of the 2011 winners, visit the links below:

Freshwater Angler of the Year Award
Freshwater Fishing awards
Saltwater Fishing awards
Saltwater Catch and Release Awards

As part of its Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program, MassWildlife awards bronze pins to adult and youth anglers who catch fish of certain minimum weight requirements in 22 species categories – and gold pins and commemorative plaques – to anglers who catch the largest fish in each category. Gold pin winners were the honorees in Saturday’s ceremony.

DMF’s Saltwater Fishing Derby awards pins to all qualifying entries in 21 species categories and presents trophies at the expo to anglers who landed the heaviest fish in each species category. Winners are chosen in three divisions: men, women and juniors (age 15 and younger). Three anglers were also recognized for their catches in the Catch and Release category of the saltwater derby.

To qualify for the saltwater fishing derby, entries must be caught by hook and line and weighed in at DMF-certified weigh stations. For the saltwater catch and release derby, fish should be measured on a measuring device to the nearest half inch, and a clearly discernable picture taken of both the measuring device and the fish, indicating total length. For the freshwater award program, fish can be weighed in at any state or town-certified scale. DFG asks anglers to practice responsible fishing.  DMF’s Responsible Angler Practices brochure instructs anglers in areas how to properly handle and release fish, how to use tackle that minimizes unintended harm to fish, and reminds anglers to minimize fight time, properly dispose of trash and unwanted tackle, to use circle hooks, wide gap hooks, and barbless hooks, and to take steps to protect habitat while fishing.

MassWildlife likewise reminds anglers to help protect common loons, a species of special concern in Massachusetts, by following new regulations put in place for 2012 that prohibit the use of any lead fishing sinkers and lead jigs weighing less than 1 ounce in all inland waters (fresh water) of the Commonwealth. Examples of prohibited lead tackle weighing less than 1 ounce include split shot, keel weights, ice jigs, bottom-bumping jigs, lead sinkers, or jigs which are painted, "skirted", or otherwise covered with rubber or other substance.

Detailed information about lead sinkers and loons

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DFG is responsible for promoting the conservation and enjoyment of the Commonwealth's natural resources. DFG carries out this mission through land protection and wildlife habitat management, management of inland and marine fish and wildlife species, and ecological restoration of fresh water, salt water, and terrestrial habitats. DFG promotes enjoyment of the Massachusetts environment through outdoor skills workshops, fishing festivals and other educational programs, and by enhancing access to the Commonwealth's rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.