The government is paying fishermen $5,000 in cash prizes if they take aim at invasive species – 1.7million are eligible

The contest is free to enter, and will distribute prizes across four categories based on who catches the most or the largest pikeminnow.

For the most pikeminnow greater than six inches in length, $550 will be awarded to first place, followed by $450 and $400 for second and third.

The angler who catches the most pikeminnow longer than 12in will receive $800, while the second and third-place runner ups will walk away with $700 and $600.

Anglers who catch the three longest pikeminnow during the contest will win $500, $400, and $300 depending on their respective placements.

Finally, the tournament will have a drawing for youth anglers under 18 who entered a pikeminnow in the contest, with six of them winning $50 each.

Anglers are only eligible to win one category each, with the higher prize being awarded in cases of multiple wins.

To enter, fishermen must provide a valid email address and upload geotagged pictures of their caught fish to a form available on the CalTrout website.