Instilled within every angler is a bit of natural competitive spirit. The trait can be a flaw for certain individuals, but mostly it is downright enjoyable to keep an ongoing rivalry burning between fishing buddies – just to spice things up and give everyone something to banter about during those outings when bites are few and far between.

Not only are fishermen always trying to outperform their partners, they are often just as devoted to the cause of topping their own personal best. We constantly strive to catch just one more fish than the number caught on our best day ever, or to land a whopper that weighs a half pound more than our previous biggest. It is this will to compete with both ourselves and others, along with a fondness for fried fish, which keeps us on the water year after year.

Little known to most Kentucky anglers is the fact that our own Department of Fish and Wildlife recognizes and awards anglers who catch trophy-sized fish as a way of gathering data about one of our finest resources. The Trophy Fish/Master Angler Award Program presents awards, free of charge, to anyone who catches what the department considers a trophy fish with a fishing pole and line in Kentucky waters.

Included on the list of 27 eligible species are the corresponding minimum lengths an angler’s fish must surpass in order to be granted the title of “Trophy Fish.” What I like most about the department’s size limitations is the fact that the minimum lengths are realistically attainable.

To name a few of the more commonly pursued species: The minimum for brown trout is 20 inches, largemouth bass must surpass the 23-inch mark, trophy crappie need to measure at least 15 inches and a trophy bluegill is anything more than 10 inches.

While any fish of these aforementioned sizes might not be a fish of a lifetime, specimens exceeding these limits are uncommonly landed with regularity or ease in Kentucky waters. Rules are fairly straightforward with every application requiring, among other details, an attached photo of the fish being held lengthwise; a witness signature; the date, county, and waters where the fish was caught; and the length of the fish. Additionally, the application must be submitted within 60 days of the catch.

Everyone who catches a trophy fish and sends in an approved application will receive a certificate of merit and a decal. A person can send in as many applications as they wish. As an added enticement, anglers who catch three different species of trophy fish may apply for a Master Angler Award. With this award comes a plaque and another certificate of merit, plus there is no time limit for accumulating the three species needed for the Master Angler Award.

Entering your prize catch also automatically places you in competition for the longest fish of each species within the state for the calendar year. Two awards are given out for each species, one for the longest fish caught by junior anglers under 16 and one for fishermen over 16.

I know a handful of guys who are attempting to chip away at the entire list of trophy fish by adding two or three each year in an effort to finish the entire “Grand Slam” of 27. I don’t know if there will be a special award if or when they do complete the list, but simply knowing that they have beaten the odds will probably be reward enough.

If you are interested in learning more about Kentucky’s Trophy Fish Program or would like to print an application, visit http://fw.ky.gov/trophyfishrules.asp.

– Geordon T. Howell is outdoors columnist for the Daily News. He may be reached by e-mailing highbrasshowell@yahoo.com.