Anglers caught more trophy-caliber fish in 2008 in Michigan than they did in 2007, according to entries submitted to the Department of Natural Resources' Master Angler Program.

Anglers entered 430 fish that qualified for Master Angler status in the catch-and-keep category in 2008, compared to 410 the previous year. In the catch-and-release category, anglers entered 871 qualifying fish last year, compared to 802 in 2007.

The Master Angler Program recognizes fish in two categories, those that are retained and those that are released. In the catch-and-keep category, eligible fish must meet or exceed certain weight requirements. The fish must be weighed on commercial scales and verified by two witnesses. In the catch-and-release category, fish must meet or exceed certain length requirements. Anglers entering fish must have the length measurement verified by one witness. In either case, the fish must be positively identified by a fisheries biologist or the angler must submit a photograph with the entry.

The most popular fish in the catch-and-keep category in 2008 were bluegill and smallmouth bass, with 39 entries each. In the catch-and-release category, anglers entered 105 freshwater drum, outpacing the runner-up, smallmouth bass, which had 92 entries.

DNR fisheries managers have recognized trophy catches through the Master Angler Program since 1973. In 1992, the catch-and-release category was added.

"The number of catch-and-release entries surpassed catch-and-keep entries in 2003 and has every year since," said Barbara Dilts, who runs the Master Angler Program for the Fisheries Division. "In 2008, the number of catch-and-release entries more than doubled those for catch-and-keep." A complete list of Master Angler fish, including where, when, how and by whom they were caught, is on the Internet at www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing.