2009 Was a Banner Year for Big Fish in Michigan:

Five new state record fish - highlighted by a world record brown trout
- were among 1,433 fish entered in the Department of Natural Resources
and Environment’s Master Angler Program in 2009.

State records were also broken for pumpkinseed, redear sunfish (twice)
and Great Lakes muskellunge.

A 41.45-pound brown trout, caught by Thomas Healy of Rockford on the
Manistee River on Sept. 9, has been certified as a world record by the
International Game Fish Association.

Overall anglers entered 503 fish in the catch-and-keep category and 930
fish in the catch-and-release category, up from 430 and 871,
respectively, in 2008.

The Master Angler Program recognizes anglers who catch fish that weigh
more (catch and keep) or measure longer (catch and release) than
established standards.

“Fishing was excellent in 2009 as evidenced by the large number of
quality fish entered into our Master Angler Program,” said DNRE
Fisheries Divisions Chief Kelley Smith. “This only reaffirms what
we’ve long known - there’s world-class fishing in Michigan.”

For complete lists of Master Angler fish submitted in 2009, visit the
DNRE Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing, and click on Angler
Information. Anglers who think they may have a record fish may contact
Barbara Dilts in the DNRE Fisheries Division at 517-373-2966.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the
conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment
of the state’s environment, natural resources, and related economic
interests for current and future generations.

Source: Michigan DNRE