State Records

[WVcrank]

I was just wondering, If you catch a record bass, Where would you take it to prove it was a record?  I saw state record in WV was 9.92LBS.  The .92 seems pretty specific had to weighed by a better scale than what I would be using.

[webertime]

It has to be a certified scale and a witness (at least in VT). 

A certified scale would be like one at a butcher/grocery store/deli, you see those little stickers on the scale saying it was certified at a certain time and date by the state.  It's to keep a butcher from selling you 2 oz. of steak and saying it's 2lbs.  I believe Postal scales are certified as well. 

[WVcrank]

I see, So pretty much anywhere that has a state certified Scale.  Thanks for the reply.

[Grey Wolf]

Which lake or river in WV will you be attemping to catch the new state record ?

[ShaneK1990]

Actually that fish was on the state records for length (9.62 lbs, 25.75 in.). The record weight for LMB in WV is 12.28 lbs.

[NorcalBassin]

It's always good to be prepared for when opportunity strikes.

[J Francho]

Years ago, I had my Chatillon scale certified by Weights and Measure from the county I fished in most frequently.

[fishfordollars]

Man, booger88, I admire you for the positive attitude. With that thinking you just might be in the right place at the right time.

[WRB]

Certifing a catch you put on ice is easy compared to a fish you plan to release alive.

Most recreational digital scales are battery dependant for accuracy. Some brands have controlled power ratings; these can be certified by your local weights & measures. Lab quality spring scales are easier to calibrate. Look on any gasoline pump for the local W & M phone number, it's not expensive and good for 1 year.

WRB

[WVcrank]

thanks for the info and input from all..  You never no when that bite will come. I was just thinking out loud when I posted. Thinking I would hate to kill a fish and be .01 ounces away from a record.

[WRB]

thanks for the info and input from all.. You never no when that bite will come. I was just thinking out loud when I posted. Thinking I would hate to kill a fish and be .01 ounces away from a record.

0.01 = 4 1/2 grams or 1/5 ounce. 1 ounce = 0.0625 lbs. Very few recreational fishing scales are accurate within 2% of the weight displayed.

2 % of 10 lbs is  0.20 lbs or 3 1/2 ounces. A very good scale is less than 1% error, few anglers carry scales that accurate. I wouldn't worry about .01 lb., when the IGFA doesn't recognize .06 lbs.

Good luck in your pursuit of a record, your right it could happen any time.

WRB

[Scorcher214]

This is the attitude that every body needs to have when fishing! ;D

[airborne_angler]

So when you catch a state record,does it have to be killed or can it be released?

The lake I fish is at least an hour away from anywhere there might be scales.How would this play out? Id catch a potential record fish,im out in the boonies(ZERO cell phone service) and I want to have the fish recorded and release it.

Id have to wait for the Dept of Game and Fish to show up,which is at least 2 hours away,then id have to find a certified scale.

Looks like the whole plan of releasing a record in the lake I fish would be no good. the fish would likely die by the time I get everything setup for documentation. I dont have a livewell so keeping the fish alive except at the lake would be difficult at best.

[Grey Wolf]

Sounds to me like you would have to kill it and put it on ice and get it to a certified scale quick.

[Taylor Fishin 4 life]

Or just put it in your livewell, put ice in it to keep water temp down then have the airiator turned on