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Frequently-Asked Questions About the VARP

Are there separate applications for Master and Expert Angler Awards, or Angler of the Month and Year?

No. Anglers are automatically registered for these awards when they register their trophy fish using the trophy fish award application. Our computers keep track of the type and size of every fish registered to every angler. The program then flags us when an angler becomes a Master or Expert. To find out who catches the largest fish each month we run a specific.

Please note that our computer program was upgraded in 1995. If you have records prior to this and think that you qualify as an Expert or Master Angler please contact us. Your records may need to be checked manually.

How do I register my fish by weight?

You must take your fish to a weigh station that has scales certified for public trade and have it weighed there. Or, you can weigh the fish on a personal scale that has been certified by an approved third party.

How do I register my fish by length or photo?

You must use a measuring rule and then have an observer sign the witness portion of the application. If you are alone, you must photograph the fish next to a measuring rule, complete the witness information yourself and send the photo in along with your application.

How do I get some blank trophy fish applications?

You can download it here on site. See Trophy Freshwater Fish Award Application. Or, you can obtain them at Department of Wildlife Resources offices, bait and tackle shops, or contact our office at (804) 367-1000 or email and we can mail you some.

How do the new species added to the program from 2019 play into the pursuit of additional Master Angler levels?

Expert and Master Angler Details for Black and White Crappie:

  • Expert angler status will be an aggregate of all black and white crappie that an angler has caught. Any trophy combination of black and white crappie that sums to 10 will allow an angler to achieve expert angler in crappie.
  • If crappie currently counts towards an anglers’ master angler status, he or she will need to catch both black crappie and white crappie to achieve an extra point towards future master angler levels. This will involve an angler to re-catch one or both of the crappie species.

Expert and Master Angler Details for Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Other Sunfish:

  • Expert angler status will be an aggregate of all Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Other Sunfish that an angler has caught. Any trophy combination of Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Other Sunfish that sums to 10 will allow an angler to achieve expert angler in Sunfish.
  • If Sunfish currently counts towards an anglers’ master angler status, he or she will need to catch both Bluegill and Redear Sunfish to achieve an extra point towards future master angler levels. To get two extra points towards future master angler levels he or she will need to catch Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Other Sunfish. This will involve an angler to re-catch one or all of the Sunfish species.
  • Species that anglers can catch that would count towards Other Sunfish include Pumpkinseed, Green Sunfish, Flier, and Warmouth.