Looking for a great Florida fishing challenge this weekend, this month, or even for the year?
Gulfstream Boat Club encourages you to become a part of the organization Catch a Florida Memory.
Sponsored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, this organization encourages anglers to take part in Saltwater Angler Recognition programs such as its Grand Slams, Life List, and
Saltwater Reel Big Fish. Their mission is to recognize fishing skills and encourage both young and old to target multiple species of fish, not just the most common ones. Learn more below.
Have fun while doing right by Florida’s fish and natural environment: that is the message of Catch a Florida Memory’s four goals:
Encourage anglers to target a diversity of species
Expand fishing experience for seasoned anglers
Cultivate an interest in saltwater fishing
Strengthen marine fisheries conservation ethics
Whatever your interests, Catch a Florida Memory has a program for you. Submit a photo of you with your catch, and you’ll gain well-won recognition, even prizes, for doing so! You’re encouraged to release catches alive. These programs include:
The Saltwater Fish Life List
Enter this challenge to catch at least 10 of Florida’s 71 different species of saltwater fish. Catch 10, 30, 50, or the whole list, and you’ll win recognition and a prize!
Each time an angler submits a valid application for a Saltwater Life List Fish Club, they will receive a certificate of accomplishment, various prizes, FWC saltwater publications, and will become a member of the corresponding Life List Fish Club. Print your own Life List, and start keeping track of your progress today!
Saltwater Grand Slams
Up for a time-sensitive challenge? Try one of the organization’s Saltwater Grand Slams. Grand Slams challenge anglers to catch three specified fish species in a 24-hour period. The nine Grand Slams include: “Inshore Grand Slam” (red drum, spotted sea trout, flounder) and “Family Grand Slam” (any three fish in the same scientific family, e.g., black grouper, red grouper, gag). See the full list of Grand Slams here. The program includes a “Small Fry Slam” for children aged 15 and under.
Saltwater Reel Big Fish
The Saltwater Reel Big Fish program recognizes anglers for extra-large catches of the 30 different saltwater species listed here. Fish must reach or exceed the qualifying length listed for adults (age 16 and older) and youth (under age 16). The catch must be photographed over a qualifying measuring device, as well as in a photo with the angler who is applying for recognition.
FWC encourages responsible angling. Remember proper catch-and-release techniques when fishing. You do not have to be a Florida resident to participate, as long as you are legally fishing in Florida (fishing with a licensed Gulfstream Boat Club captain qualifies!).
All of Gulfstream Boat Club’s captains are licensed fishermen and would love to help you start with Catch a Florida Memory from any of our locations in Palm Beach County. Call us at 561.865.7797 to get started!