Catch a Florida Memory celebrates 10 years of reeling in memories

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) saltwater angler recognition program, Catch a Florida Memory is celebrating its 10-year anniversary (Catch-a-versary) in 2026! Since launching in 2016, the program has grown alongside Florida's saltwater angling community, with over 45,000 catches submitted over the past decade. This comprehensive recognition program gives participants of all skill levels a fun and meaningful way to recognize their catches, diversify the species they target, support conservation and share their fishing memories from the Fishing Capital of the World.

"As we reflect on the last decade, we want to thank our passionate anglers and generous partners who make Catch a Florida Memory possible," said FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management Director Jessica McCawley. "We appreciate you sharing your fishing journeys and look forward to another decade of reeling in memories on the water."

To celebrate the 10-year anniversary and thank participants, Catch a Florida Memory is launching new challenges, program updates and enhanced prizing throughout 2026.

Catch-a-versary Challenges

Secret Fish Sponsored by Mustad

• Submit your catches as normal in hopes that one might be that quarter's "secret fish" from the Life List. Diversify your catches or even resubmit species that you've already caught to give yourself a better chance of winning. A hint for the selected species will be shared in the Catch a Florida Memory newsletter and Facebook page at the beginning of each quarter.

Veterans Challenge

• Open exclusively to active and retired military anglers, this challenge encourages service members to compete against other military branches by earning points as they submit qualifying catches.
• For the first recognition earned during this challenge, qualifying participants will receive an exclusive Catch a Florida Memory Veterans Challenge Coin and hat, along with regular prizing.
• The branch with the most points will earn an Honor Award after the challenge closes on Veterans Day

Photo of the Year

• Find your lighting and use your best fish handling for a chance to be featured in our Saltwater Fishing Regulations.

• As participants submit photos of their catches throughout 2026, Catch a Florida Memory staff will select the 10 best photos to be voted on by participants in February

Triple Threat Throwdown

• The Throwdownis back for another year, giving Triple Threat Club anglers the chance to win a Bonafidefishing kayak and fishing package provided by YakAttack, Mustad, and Power-Pole.
• Participants earn drawing entries by earning qualifying achievements as members of the Triple Threat Club. The more achievements earned, the more chances to win.

Catch a Florida Memory Program Updates

In response to participant feedback gathered through the program's annual surveys, Catch a Florida Memory is rolling out several programmatic updates in 2026:

• Revamped Grand Slams: The species of five Grand Slams have been updated including Inshore, Nearshore, Bay and Estuary, Reefs and Rubble, and Small Fry.
• Updated Reel Big Fish: The lengths for almaco jack, black drum, crevalle jack, gag grouper, flounder, red grouper, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel have been reduced.
• Expanded Life List: The number of species on the list has increased from 70 to 75 by adding Atlantic croaker, Atlantic spadefish, northern kingfish, palometa, and yellow jack.

Anniversary Prizes While Supplies Last

To mark the Catch-a-versary, participants will also have the opportunity to earn exclusive 10-year anniversary dry-fit shirts and mini tackle boxes during the year while supplies last. Submit your first qualifying achievement in 2026 to earn these prizes.

Join the Celebration

Catch a Florida Memory is free to participate in and open to anglers for saltwater fishing in Florida. Whether it's a first fish, a personal best, or a new species, every catch tells a story, and every memory counts. Sign up today to share your memory with Catch a Florida Memory and join the program as it embarks on a new decade!

For more information on the Catch-a-versary Challenges, including additional guidelines and rules, visit CatchaFloridaMemory.com or reach out via email at [email protected]. Follow Catch a Florida Memory on Facebook and follow FWC Saltwater Fishing on Fishbrain.

As always, remember to handle fish responsibly and adhere to all fishing regulations. Your fishing license and ethical fishing practices ensure the sustainability of Florida's fisheries. Learn more at MyFWC.com/SFR.