Not Just Another Fish Tale: DNR Sees Record-Setting “Fish Of The Year” Entries

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Not Just Another Fish Tale: DNR Sees Record-Setting “Fish Of The Year” Entries

Anthony Talarico Jr. holds his FOTY winning burbot caught in Lake Michigan.

As you wait for the pond behind your house to thaw just enough to begin fishing, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is celebrating its 2021 Fish of the Year program winners.

Starting in 1963, the Indiana DNR has given out over 1,000 FOTY awards. This past year, it received a record-setting 117 entries ranging from 54 different species.

“We’ve had pretty steady growth through the years,” said Jeremy Price, the department’s fisheries and aquatic research supervisor. “I just think it’s a fun program and people like to participate.”

The FOTY awards—bestowed upon the longest fish in each category—are open to all ages, and Price said sometimes parents send in pictures of their children with award-winning catches.

Price said he saw some impressive discoveries while looking through the 2021 entries.

“The Fish of the Year Muskellunge is one of the biggest I’ve seen,” he said. “That 54-inch muskie, that’s a really, really big fish we don’t often see. It’s pretty rare to see a fish over 50 inches, let alone one that’s 54 inches.”

“Northern Pike, that’s another really, really nice fish, … almost 43 inches on that. But every year, we see some really nice-sized fish across tons of species.”

To submit, anglers must take a photo of their fish near a measuring tool and also give background on where they caught their fish. They can then enter online by emailing recordfish@dnr.IN.gov or by filling out and mailing this form.

Fast Fish Facts:

  • The Wabash River was home to eight of the winning fish.
  • Most anglers’ submitted entries from rivers and streams.
  • Four species made their debut on the list.
  • There were no entries for the common rainbow or brown trout.
  • One angler, Joe Johnson, secured six awards for 2021.

Those interested in participating in FOTY 2022 have until Dec. 31.

The winners receive a certificate in the mail, a colorful patch to add to their fishing vest, and, well, a fish story to tell.

FOOTNOTE: Ashlyn Myers is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students

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