Is This A 22 Incher?

[CaseKeatley]

Hey Guys!

 

I'm new here on the Bass Resource forums. I live in Virginia, and for the 2013 season I'm trying to catch a citation size Largemouth. In Virginia, to be a citation, the fish must have a weight of 8 lbs OR a length of 22 inches. Upon measuring, I hadn't read all the information on the Game and Inland Fisheries website. The site says to squeeze the tail fin together to get the maximum length. I measured about 20-21 inches without doing that, but from looking at pictures, I do think it may have reached 22'. I'd like to hear you guys opinions!

 

Thanks!

Case Keatley

 

 

 

 

 

[J Francho]

You get about a half inch from squeezing the tail, so sounds like the fish is pretty close.  It's a slob, for sure.  Congrats!  How'd you catch her?

[Deleted account]

Sure, why not...

[Pleiades]

I don't know, but its certainly a nice fish!  Welcome, by the way.

[CaseKeatley]

I was fishing next to a bridge that goes across a reservoir and caught her on a live minnow! They definitely like to hang around that structure in deep water during the winter. Should I apply for a citation, or not? Thanks

[CaseKeatley]

By the way, it was a 5 pound Bass.

[00 mod]

Congrats on the catch and welcome to Bass Resource! 

 

Jeff

[Teal]

Nice catch. Personally, to do my part in insuring the integrity of the citation program, i would not apply for a citation UNLESS I AM POSITIVE that it meets criteria in the one of two ways. Thats just me tho.

But you have a very nice fish to be proud of and i would def keep that spot in mind and would continue to fish it. Good luck on your chase for the 2013 citation fish. Welcome to the site.

[aharris]

not sure if a 5 pounder would make the cut at 22", but it might. They're pretty chunky this time of year.

[rbreedi1]

I caught a 22" bass recently that was 6lbs 4oz here in Tennessee

[Darren.]

That's a chunk, Case. And welcome to the site!

[Dwight Hottle]

Very nice bass. Welcome to THE resource. Since the criteria is 8lbs or 22" I would not submit it if it didn't measure at 22"

[Sam]

Chase, have your parents take you to Bass Pro Shop and get a special Bass Pro Shops Keeper Counter gold ruler for $12 or $13 (22-inch style) to measure the fish you catch.

 

You may also want to invest in a low priced scale.

 

Great catch! Congrats on nailing that big lady.

 

Don't for get your needle nose pliers when you go fishing.

 

Also, please be very careful around water this time of the year. You need to wear a Personal Floation Device (life jacket) even though it is not kool when you go fishing at the reservior.

 

Welcome to the Forum. Looking for more posts and pics.

[flyfisher]

Definitely close and I believe in Virginia you have to have a picture of the bass on a measuring device for a citation.

[CaseKeatley]

In reply to flyfisher, as long as you have a witness you do not need a picture on a measuring device

[flyfisher]

In reply to flyfisher, as long as you have a witness you do not need a picture on a measuring device

I forgot about that one since I usually fish solo. I would also say look at the Plano bump board, expands out to 36" I think and floats and is cheaper than the metal bass pro rulers.

[CaseKeatley]

I probably will buy that. I did have a measuring tape with me at the time and quickly measured it at 20". I have a Berkley Filleting/Measuring Board that I took a picture of it on, and from that picture I'm estimating it at 21 and 3/4 to 22.

[Surveyor]

Your measurement of 20-21" is typical for a 5 lb bass.

An "average" healthy bass 22" long would weigh just over 6 lbs.

Nice fish there and I'm sure you will catch one for the books soon.

GL

[CaseKeatley]

Here's another picture of the big girl! This may help solve things. From red line to red line is 18 inches.  (It even says so on the measuring board) I still don't know if it's 22" or not.

 

[Will Wetline]

Case, that's a fine bass and great pictures!

 

Why don't you forget about the citation for this one and go out and catch an even bigger one! 

[tbone1993]

I stick to catch and release and the only keep bass until the weigh in. The only time I take bass is if it is a private pond that needs regulation, nice bass.

[flyfisher]

I would agree to go catch another one bigger and be sure.

[Topwaterspook]

 Congradulations, great fish, Casey. Keep at it and you'll soon be measuring a bigger one! 

[Jay Ell Gee]

I'm guessing that you returned the bass to it's home after catching it? I say assume because if you did not, you should be able to measure it, I suppose. If you did, kudos for the release!

 

I agree with holding out on the citation as well, if only to protect the integrity of the program. You are still young, and you are picking a great hobby to pursue. You have a long time to catch a bigger one, and inspiration to boot!

 

Regardless, that is a GREAT fish. Nothing wrong with catching them on minnows this time of year. Bass fishing in the winter can be brutal. No sense in using a few minnows to even the odds a bit.

 

I am also looking forward to more pics. Please keep us updated in the fishing reports section as well! Take comfort in knowing that you have caught a bigger bass than some recreational fisherman have caught in their lives. That's no small feat!

 

Also, you can pick up a little roll-up type tape measure from bass pro shops for under two dollars. It rolls up when you press the little button, just like a big one. You could grab a small rapala, berkley, or bass pro electronic scale as well and be out the for less than thirty dollars. You will always have ways to keep track of your fish at that point.

 

Again, great bass and welcome to BR!

[Comfortably Numb]

Great catch. Look at the shoulders on her! Keep it up.