Most everyone likes to win awards. It's nice to receive recognition for a special accomplishment. This is especially true for kids because it can help build self esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

In Missouri, there are awards for three levels of angling success -- state record fish, first fish and master angler.

Most anglers are aware that very few of us will ever come close to catching a state record fish. The requirements for a first fish or master angler award are easier to meet, but the awards still recognize significant accomplishments.

Catching their first fish marks a special time in a youngster's life. Parents can now preserve the memory of that unique first catch of their budding angler. The First Fish Award is a certificate, suitable for framing, which commemorates the catch. It contains the angler's name and age, species and size of fish, location, date and a photo if one is sent along with the application. It does not matter if the fish is large or small or if the angler is young or old; the only stipulation is that it is their first fish.

The Master Angler Award recognizes anglers for catching a trophy fish. To qualify, fish must meet minimum length or weight requirements which have been set for 74 fish species. Length requirements promote and accommodate catch-and-release fishing.

Master angler requirements for some popular fish include: largemouth bass (22 inches or 6 pounds), smallmouth bass (18 inches or 3 pounds), crappie (15 inches or 2 pounds), channel catfish (27 inches or 10 pounds), and flathead catfish (39 inches or 30 pounds). The requirements for goggle eye (rock bass), bluegill, redear sunfish and green sunfish are 10 inches or 1 pound. For rainbow trout, the minimum standard is 26 inches or 7 pounds.

You can obtain an application for the First Fish or Master Angler award by contacting a Missouri Conservation Department office. The minimum requirements for Master Angler fish are listed on the back of the application. The same information and applications can be obtained from the web site, www.mdc.state.mo.us. Click on "Fishing" and then either "Fishing records" or "Kids fishing."

Unlike state record fish, verification of the catch by the Conservation Department is not needed for First Fish or Master Angler awards.

Presenting a child with their First Fish Award will help keep memories alive of that special fishing accomplishment.

Receiving a Master Angler certificate is a great way to remember the lunker that did not get away.

Mark Boone is a fisheries management biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation, working out of the Cape Girardeau office.