Georgia students can combine science, writing, and art in the 2027 Fish Art Contest, now open for entries.

The free competition, hosted in Georgia by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division, is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade, ages 5-18. 

The contest gives students a chance to research a fish species, learn about its habitat, and create an original illustration inspired by what they find.

To enter, students must create an original, hand-drawn illustration of a wild fish in its natural habitat. Digital and AI-generated artwork is not eligible.

Students can choose a species and use books and reputable online resources to research it before creating their artwork. Teachers and parents can also use activities from the Fish On! conservation education resources to help students dig deeper into fish, fishing, and aquatic ecosystems.

Students participating in fourth grade and above also submit a short piece of creative writing with their artwork. The writing gives students an opportunity to demonstrate what they learned about their species and its environment.

For Georgia students, the Go Fish Georgia Award provides an additional opportunity to focus on a native Georgia fish or a species introduced to the state that is commonly sought by anglers.

The Fish Art Contest connects several areas of learning. Students can practice research and writing skills while learning about wildlife, habitats, and conservation.

“While we ultimately hope all kids get the chance to get outside and actually go fishing, we also believe the program is an amazing opportunity to use art and writing to inspire children’s imagination to learn and discover more about fish and fishing,” said Chrystal Sherwood, Educator at Georgia DNR’s Go Fish Education Center.

The competition also includes several specialty awards, including the Invader Crusader Award, which recognizes artwork featuring a native and invasive species found in a student's local area, and the Fish Habitat Writing Award, which focuses on creative writing about protecting aquatic ecosystems. There is also a Mighty Minnow Award specifically for kindergarten participants.

Students compete in five age categories:

  • Kindergarten, ages 5-6
  • Grades 1-3, ages 6-8
  • Grades 4-6, ages 9-11
  • Grades 7-9, ages 12-14
  • Grades 10-12, ages 15-18

All entries are due Feb. 28, 2027.

Students must use the Georgia Fish Art Award entry form and follow the contest's artwork and submission requirements. Entries can be submitted digitally and may also be mailed to the Go Fish Education Center in Perry, Georgia.

Top Georgia entries will be displayed at the Go Fish Education Center.

Teachers, parents, and students can find entry forms, species information, submission requirements, and classroom resources at FishArt.org.

The contest is supported by Bass Pro Shops, the USDA Forest Service, the International Game Fish Association, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Guy Harvey Foundation, Yamaha, and Rapala.