Junior Angler Membership Program Guidelines

Mission Statement

The Junior Angler Membership Program is for IWFA members to provide opportunities for young girls ages 6 to 18 to learn about conservation, develop their angling skills, and participate in a monthly award competition under the mentorship of an IWFA sponsor.

Objectives

Help raise awareness, and encourage participation in the sport of fishing by sharing a basic understanding and appreciation of fishing, and to prepare young girls and young women to be responsible anglers as well as good stewards of our marine resources and fisheries. The ultimate goal is to have our junior anglers become Regular IWFA members.

Program

In order to become an IWFA Junior Angler, the applicant must have an IWFA sponsor willing to accept the responsibility of mentoring her in conservation and learning the Bylaws and the rules of the IWFA. The program will be open to girls ages 6 to 18 years. Upon turning 18 years of age, the Junior Angler may, 1) elect to pay dues as a Regular Member of the IWFA or 2) elect to remain as a Junior Angler until January 1 of the following year. 

The Junior Angler fishing year for annual competition will follow the IWFA Regular Member year. (January 1-December 31)

The initial membership fee for each Junior Angler is $50 a year.

An early enrollment discount is applied from 1/1- 4/30, bringing the fee to $17.50, changing the fee to $32.50 (17.50 dues, $15 new member kit). The renewal membership fee is $35 per year. 

The Junior Angler membership application is online at iwfa.org. Junior Anglers must have their parent or legal guardian help them complete and submit the application including the liability waiver. Once the online application has been submitted and the dues have been paid, the sponsor will be notified of acceptance into the program. 

Point System

All fish on the IWFA approved list are eligible for points – there are no line class or tackle restrictions; however, all IGFA International Angling Rules, Limits, and Regulations apply.

 6” – 12”                                    1 point

Over 12”                                  5 points

Sailfish                                   20 points

Other Billfish                          25 points

Freshwater and saltwater fish will be scored separately due to awards. Fish caught and released must be logged using the official IWFA program at jrscore.iwfa.org by the 5^th day of the following month from the catch for monthly awards.  Late catch and releases may be scored in yearly competition only if logged in the JrScore system within 30 days after the catch is made. This is a program for mentoring, education, and recognition. Email [email protected] with any questions regarding the point system.

Awards

Junior Angler monthly awards are given to active Junior Anglers who score the most points for each eligible species each month. Certificates are given at the 1st monthly award, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 100th, 150th, 200th, etc. up to 500 monthly awards. Annual Awards for active Junior Anglers will be the Top Freshwater Angler (minimum 50 points), Top Saltwater Angler (minimum 50 points), Top Fleming Species Award (minimum 15 species), and Top Service Project Angler. Junior Anglers will be limited to 1 yearly award (Top Freshwater Angler, Top Saltwater Angler, or Top Fleming Species Award). The Top Service Project Angler award is open to all Junior Anglers. Any angler wanting to compete for the Top Service Project will submit documentation and photos describing her project to the committee for consideration (see service award criteria). The Top Service Project award does not have to be given each year. If the Junior Angler winners cannot attend the IWFA Annual Awards Luncheon, sponsors will be responsible for presenting awards at a Funament or activity (i.e. lunch with other IWFA members present, if possible). The sponsor will take photos and send with an article to the Junior Angler Communications Chair. In the event of a tie, both anglers will receive an
award.