The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday the results from its 2014 Master Angler program — a program that has been in place since 1973 to recognize large fish caught by recreational anglers.

Niles’ Dale Blakley, who caught a state-record 52-pound flathead catfish on Barron Lake, was one of those who was named a 2014 Master Angler.

This past year, 987 anglers representing 19 states and Canada submitted catches that were recognized as Master Angler fish. That is a decrease from the 1,208 fish recognized in 2013. Of the entries accepted, 327 were categorized as “catch and keep” and 660 were categorized as “catch and release.”

That is a decrease from the 1,208 fish recognized in 2013. Of the entries accepted, 327 were categorized as “catch and keep” and 660 were categorized as “catch and release.”

The most popular entries included 84 smallmouth bass, 76 bluegill, 60 crappie and 57 channel catfish.

Submissions for the 2015 Master Angler program are being accepted now through Jan. 10, 2016. To download an application, visit michigan.gov/masterangler.