What are you supposed to do if you catch the state record?

[Muad Dib]

Hey fellas his a question that i will probably never need to worry about but was just curious. so what are the steps you should take if you catch a state record fish? and what are you also supposed to do if its in the catch and release season? we just opened up a huge season as catch and release in ny.  so lets hear what you fellas would do

T-

[nateobot]

For MN:

If you catch a fish that you think could be a record, follow these steps:

   * Weigh the fish on a state-certified scale (found at most bait shops and butcher shops), witnessed by two observers.

   * Take the fish to a DNR fisheries office for positive identification and a state record fish application.

   * Complete the State Record Fish submission form Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to download this file. and send it along with a clear, full-length photo of your fish to the address listed on the form.

   * Learn about becoming a Master Angler.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/staterecords.html

[ElGuapo]

Good question. I certainly wouldn't want to kill a record fish like that. I doubt one would survive being dragged all over town. If it's catch and release only with no certified scales on that body of water then you lose.

Prediction: the Florida state record will be broken within a year.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

For most folks, this would be the moment they kick themselves in the butt for not joining the IGFA!!!  ;D

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Certified scale = post office if you can get a DNR officer but any police will do TRY to keep it alive and take many pics and have many ppl around .BTW im trying to do this here in Maryland ,but my closest IGFA certified weigh-in station is 3 hrs away on the eastern shore .the worst thing about catching a state record is your bass has a 95% chance of dying before or after weigh in in unless you have the best aquarium that can be drivin to and from,

[BigJohnny]

I thought you were supposed to put it in the freezer

[bilgerat]

If you have a scale, weigh it.

If you have a camera, take a picture of it.

Then release it and enjoy the memory.

Don't tell anyone. They'll just call you a liar.

Then think about the aggrevation you didn't have to go through, the fish you didn't have to kill, the hoops you didn't have to jump through.

Unless it's the world record LMB, or a freak of nature 9lb crappie, it aint worth it. How many of us have the resources to SAFELY transport a fish to be weighed and certified. What are you gonna do if you nail him at 11:00 pm Saturday night ? Keep him in your bathtub?

[MN Basser]

If you were on a metro area lake, could you call a CO and have them meet you on the lake with your fish in a net to keep its survival percentage high?

[nickb]

It doesn't matter here. No one is ever going to break the Georgia state record.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

It doesn't matter here. No one is ever going to break the Georgia state record.

;D Too funny yall got it bad in Ga when it comes to this your state record is the world record  

[SuskyDude]

How the state of NY defines the catch and release season:

Catch and release means catching and immediately

releasing the caught fish without harm.

Measuring, weighing and photographing of the fish

are permitted as long as the fish is not removed from

the water for an extended period or handled in a

manner that could cause it harm. Fish may not be

placed in a bucket, tub, livewell, on a string or any

other holding device.

So unfortunately, there's nothing you could do but weigh it and take a picture. But if you do break the record in season: pictures, certified scale with witnesses, take it to the state biologist, fill in the paper work and get it notarized and send it in. My buddy just went through this process with a fallfish and is now waiting to hear the final word. Its a PITA, and NY state is exactly lightning fast.....

[Eddie Munster]

If you have a scale, weigh it.

If you have a camera, take a picture of it.

Then release it and enjoy the memory.

Don't tell anyone. They'll just call you a liar.

Then think about the aggrevation you didn't have to go through, the fish you didn't have to kill, the hoops you didn't have to jump through.

Unless it's the world record LMB, or a freak of nature 9lb crappie, it aint worth it. How many of us have the resources to SAFELY transport a fish to be weighed and certified. What are you gonna do if you nail him at 11:00 pm Saturday night ? Keep him in your bathtub?

Good points.  

[Mattlures]

LBH you can join the IGFA after the fact and then send in your aplication, I did

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

LBH you can join the IGFA after the fact and then send in your aplication, I did

my mistake, I thought that was only for line classes. I thought the state and world records needed to be done beforehand but for a line class, you can join after, or alongside the submission. I already was/am a member when I got mine so I'm guessing.

[Mattlures]

My record is an all tackle world record. After I caught the fish(goldfish  ;D), I joined the IGFA and sent in my application.  I have my pretty certificate framed and on my wall  

I dont think the IGFA would turn down a paying customer.

[George Welcome]

"what are you also supposed to do if its in the catch and release season? we just opened up a huge season as catch and release in ny."

It would not be a fish that could be certified as it would be an illegal catch.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

"what are you also supposed to do if its in the catch and release season? we just opened up a huge season as catch and release in ny."

It would not be a fish that could be certified as it would be an illegal catch.

I imagine you'd also be liable for any laws you just broke by removing it if you did bring it to a state certified scale.  Don't look at this as a negative thing though, most "catch & release" or "closed" seasons are implemented by state agencies to protect the species during the spawn.  TO ME, this is far more beneficial to the state of your fishery than having the chance at a record is.

[HAMMER23]

If you are not in a catch and release state do everything  you can to keep that fish ALIVE !!! and the rest is history, if you are in a catch and release state I would have already contacted the fishery. I am sure they will be able to tell you what the law states.  You never know there may be certain exceptions or protocall if you land the state record during this time, after all the state record is kind of a big deal in any state.

[retiredbosn]

One of the fishermen on this site mentioned getting his scale certified by the state.  screen name fish chris, he may be able to point you in the right direction to getting a scale that can be certified, then half of the battle is over.  The only problem I would have is getting other fishermen to be my witnesses, because as soon as the new state record comes from your favorite body of water, it will be hammered by every one, perhaps by those who do not respect the fishery or laws.  We have a catch and release lake nearby, and I truly believe the next state record will come from that lake, however many people who frequent the lake do not respect the lake or the laws.  Fortunately however the lake now has cell service and I have the CO on speed dial now.  Many fishermen here think a 4lb largemouth is a fish of a lifetime and think nothing of taking it home.