Arkansas State Fishing Records

Establishing Sport-fishing Records

1. A state-record fish must be legally caught in Arkansas where a sport-fishing license is required (no hatcheries or pay-to-fish lakes).
2. The fish must be caught on rod or pole using hook and line. Fish caught on handheld snagging equipment will be considered if taken from waters where snagging is legal. Electric reels may not be used. Fish caught using other legal sport tackle (trotline, limbline, jug, yo-yo, etc.) may be submitted for consideration in the “unrestricted tackle” category if it exceeds the record weight established for that species by an angler using rod or pole. However, only catches made by an angler possessing a valid sport-fishing license using legal sport-fishing methods will be considered. Arkansas sport-fishing records for hybrid species are to be only those stocked by AGFC (i.e., tiger muskie, hybrid striped bass and saugeye). Commercial fish catches do not qualify. Regardless of what type of tackle is used, only one person may be involved in subduing the fish, except for helping net or gaff the fish.
3. To apply for a state record, an angler must submit a State Record Fish Application, available from AGFC offices or click on the link on this page.
4. On all record claims, witnesses to the catch are desirable. A catch without witnesses may be disallowed if questions arise regarding its authenticity. A digital photograph of the fish must accompany application.
5. A fisheries professional with AGFC or USFWS must identify the fish. The identification need not be made at the time of the weigh-in, but the professional’s name, signature and title (or qualifications) must appear on the application form.
6. The fish must be weighed on a certified scale legal for trade. Certified scales may be found in all AGFC fisheries district offices listed on this page, stores, post offices, farm supply stores, feed mills, etc. An employee of the AGFC or the USFWS must witness the weigh-in and sign the application confirming the fish’s weight. Only that weight witnessed at the official weigh-in will be accepted, regardless of the fish’s weight when it was caught.
7. AGFC will consider records for all fish over 8 oz. that are either native, or are actively stocked or managed for recreational purposes by AGFC. One-ounce gradations are used for record purposes. Fractions of an ounce will be dropped. The fish may not be altered by any means to add weight.