Annual Big Fish Contest

RELEASED FISH ONLY

Must be a current club member to participate.

Rules and Regulations

ALL FISH SUBMITTED MUST BE RELEASED IN THE WATER IT WAS CAUGHT IN IMMEDIATELY AFTER MEASUREMENT AND PHOTO!

MINIMUM LENGTH STANDARDS

Largemouth Bass - 16 Inches
Muskellunge - 40 Inches
Northern Pike - 28 Inches
Smallmouth Bass - 16 Inches
Walleye - 20 Inches

* Affidavits must be turned in within 30 days of your catch to qualify for awards.
*All affidavits must be submitted by November 15th.

You must have a witness present during your catch OR submit a dated photo (*if fishing alone) for your submission to qualify for the Annual Big Fish Contest.
- Photo must have all aspects of the measuring device visible in the picture and follow all rules listed in #2.
- Photo must have the entire fish visible in the picture from nose to tail.
When measuring your fish:
- Measuring device must be placed UNDER the fish.
- Measuring a fish from nose to tail over the top of the fish is not acceptable.
- The mouth of the fish must be closed.
- The tail of the fish must be pinched for the measurement.
If the fish has been on a stringer of any kind, it does not qualify for an affidavit.
No “Bait Shop” type photos are allowed.

Submit Your 2024 Affidavits

Click to View Form

Awards

Trophies (AKA Bragging Rights!)

1st & 2nd place trophies are awarded for the two largest fish submitted in each category. Trophies to be awarded in each category for both in state & out of state catches. Valid entries must adhere to all rules & regulations including minimum lengths & release requirements.

Master Angler (AKA Ultimate Bragging Rights!)

Master Angler plaques are awarded to any and all club members who submit at least one valid affidavit meeting at least minimum length requirements for each fish species in the annual big fish contest.

Entries accepted from November 16th – November 15th of the following year. Prizes to be awarded at the annual club Christmas party.

Raffle

In addition to the Annual Big Fish Contest awards, two winners will be drawn for raffle prizes. First prize is a $100 gift card to a local bait & tackle shop and the second prize is a $50 gift card.

Each valid affidavit form submitted throughout the year meeting minimum length & release requirements equals 1 raffle entry. The more affidavits submitted the more raffle entries you get!

2021 Christmas Party and Awards Banquet Trophy Winners

2023 Big Fish Award Recipients

In State

Smallmouth Bass

1st: Bob Bendlin, 22 1/4”
2nd: Lance Lundbeck, 21 1/2”

Largemouth Bass

1st: Kelly Cook, 21 1/2”
2nd: Paul Daniels, 20 3/4”

Walleye

1st: Tim Hilbert, 29 1/4”
2nd: Kevin Kuiper, 27 3/4”
2nd: Kelly Cook, 27 3/4”

Northern

1st: Kelly Cook, 37”
2nd: Bob Bendlin, 35 1/2"

Out of State

Smallmouth Bass

1st: David Woodcock, 19 1/2”

Largemouth Bass

1st: Harrison Daniels, 17 3/4”

Walleye

1st: Patricia Thomsen, 30 1/2”
2nd: Dennis Youngers, 28”

Northern

1st: Dennis Youngers, 40”
2nd: Barry Kruse, 37 1/2”

Master Angler

In State - Largemouth Bass: (left to right) Kelly Cook, Paul Daniels

In State - Northern: (left to right) Bob Bendlin, Kelly Cook

In State - Smallmouth Bass: (left to right) Bob Bendlin, Lance Lundbeck

In State - Walleye: (left to right) Kelly Cook, Tim Hilbert, (not pictured) Kevin Kuiper

Out of State - Largemouth Bass: Harrison Daniels

Out of State - Northern: (left to right) Barry Kruse, Dennis Youngers

Out of State - Walleye: (left to right) Patricia Thomsen, Dennis Youngers

Rules and Regulations

ALL FISH SUBMITTED MUST BE RELEASED IN THE WATER IT WAS CAUGHT IN IMMEDIATELY AFTER MEASUREMENT AND PHOTO!

MINIMUM LENGTH STANDARDS

Largemouth Bass - 16 Inches
Muskellunge - 40 Inches
Northern Pike - 28 Inches
Smallmouth Bass - 16 Inches
Walleye - 20 Inches

* Affidavits must be turned in within 30 days of your catch to qualify for awards.
*All affidavits must be submitted by November 15th.

You must have a witness present during your catch OR submit a dated photo (*if fishing alone) for your submission to qualify for the Annual Big Fish Contest.
- Photo must have all aspects of the measuring device visible in the picture and follow all rules listed in #2.
- Photo must have the entire fish visible in the picture from nose to tail.
When measuring your fish:
- Measuring device must be placed UNDER the fish.
- Measuring a fish from nose to tail over the top of the fish is not acceptable.
- The mouth of the fish must be closed.
- The tail of the fish must be pinched for the measurement.
If the fish has been on a stringer of any kind, it does not qualify for an affidavit.
No “Bait Shop” type photos are allowed.

Person Submitting Affidavit:

First Name

Last Name

Email:

Phone:

(###)

###

####

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Date Caught:

MM

DD

YYYY

Specie:

Length:

Name of Lake or River:

Location

In-state (Iowa)

Out-of-state

If out-of-state, please indicate State or Province:

Depth:

Lure:

Line:

Test:

Witness to Your Catch:

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number or Email:

City:

State:

Zip:

FileField;MaxSize=5120;Multiple;addText=Upload_Images;

Yes, I give the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club permission to use my photo(s) in their newsletters, social media, and/or promotional materials at their discretion.

By clicking 'Submit' I attest that all information above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I further understand that my submission will be disqualified if any of the above information is falsified or otherwise deemed to be untrue.

You may also submit your affidavit by email or mail. Click here to download the form and instructions on where to send it.