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I am honored to announce that two Catch a Florida Memory anglers have had a record-setting spring, reeling in three new Saltwater State Records this year! The Catch a Florida Memory program, launched by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Marine Fisheries Management, is not just about setting records. It’s a unique initiative that allows anglers to create lasting memories while fishing in Florida and contribute to the conservation of our marine resources. In January 2024, the program introduced three new Saltwater State Records Categories: Adult and Youth Length categories for catch and release records and a Youth All-tackle Weight category. The opportunity to set a Saltwater State Record is open to all anglers fishing in Florida. Still, it’s no surprise that FWC’s Catch a Florida Memory program anglers have taken the lead and are the first to achieve these prestigious recognitions.
Julia Bernstein – Youth All-Tackle Weight – Cobia and Mangrove (Gray) Snapper
Julia Bernstein was ready for action in January when she set out to catch her latest records, and her day started with a bang! To finish the exciting day, they made one last stop. Bernstein quickly dropped her line in the water and hooked up shortly after reaching the bottom.
Bernstein credits her captain, Dale Bittner, out of Key West, for her success, expressing deep gratitude for the lessons he has shared over the years and his skill in locating the fish that day. Bernstein logged a 20-pound, 15-ounce cobia and 1-pound, 8-ounce mangrove (gray) snapper to land her two new state records.
Joseph Ingold – Adult Length – Red Drum
Not to be outdone, fellow Catch a Florida Memory angler Joseph Ingold found his luck while kayaking in Panama City in February. While the windy day started slow, an exploratory cast in a new location during transit paid off.
Ingold initially thought he had snagged the bottom, but then it began to run, pulling his kayak around for a bit. Once he saw the fish, the real work began, and after a strong release, his 36.25-inch red drum earned him the new state-length record.
Both new record-holders will receive certificates and letters of recognition from the Director of Marine Fisheries Management, along with custom metal sculptures of their record species supplied by The Metal Edge. The Metal Edge came on board as a Catch a Florida Memory Premier Partner in 2023 and has enthusiastically supported the categories of the new records, ensuring successful anglers receive special pieces reflecting their achievements.
There are plenty of vacancies left. Visit CatchaFloridaMemory.com/Records to see open categories and applicable rules. For more best handling guidelines for bonefish, visit MyFWC.com/FishHandling or BonefishTarponTrust.org/Bonefish-Handling. Congratulations to Julia and Joseph!
