Every summer, on lakes, rivers, ponds and streams, people of all ages break out their gear and fish. Fishing is an activity that is shared by families, friends and even strangers who group together for vacation expeditions and competition. Some people fish for sport, some fish for food. Fishing is one of the most popular past-times in cottage country. For many, there is no more perfect a day than one spent relaxing, out on the water, vying for the catch of the day.

For the competitive angler, fishing tournaments are a fun and exciting way to pursue their sport. Competitive fishing is a well-recognized sport of its own and there are team and Olympic style events. At this level, participants may compete in deep-sea fishing or fly fishing, for example, or they may be angling for a specific type of fish – anything from salmon, trout and tuna to big-game fish like shark and marlin. Such competitions are run by established organizations and associations.

But what about the local fisherman (young, old or somewhere in between) who is casting his first line? For the hobbyist, there are many fun, local tournaments. These may be organized by communities, bait shops, marinas, campgrounds and more. Fishing can be a great deal of fun and is accessible to virtually anyone. Not to mention that these tournaments offer cash prizes and awards so even friendly competition can have some tangible benefits and recognition.

The following are some examples of awards for fishing that may be offered at a locally-run tournament:

Biggest Fish Award: Some competitions will focus on only one type of fish – bass being one of the most popular – and this trophy would go to the angler that catches and keeps the heaviest specimen.

Catch and Release Award: This award would be presented to the fisherman that catches, confirms and releases the largest specimen. As a side note, many North American states and provinces also have Catch and Release Award programs which recognize fishing skills but also reward conservation and fishing ethics. Maryland, as just one example, has offered citations and badges to anglers that catch – and release alive – any specimen that meets or exceeds their stated limits and commemorative hats for any fishermen submitting 10 such entries.

Junior Angler Award: To encourage and support the youngest competitors, Junior Angler certificates may be presented. These would go to any young angler, below a stated age, who catches their first-ever tournament fish.

When multiple species of fish form part of a tournament, Master Angler or Grand Slam Awards can be considered. These are beneficial for highlighting the fisherman’s overall proficiency. A Master Angler could receive a trophy, medal or even a commemorative pin for catching a specified number of fish from a variety of categories. Each fish would have to meet a length and weight minimum. To win a Grand Slam, an angler could be required to catch one example of each of type of fish listed in the tournament’s official rules.

Whether a person’s interest lies in competitions or simply whiling away the days on the lake, fishing in the fresh air, alone or with friends, is by far its own reward.