flechero

Because, even though it can't be proved that this fish is or isn't close to it's end, the fact of the matter is that this is a very very old fish. The possibility of the fish dying soon is undeniably there. Let's say that the IGFA doesn't certify this fish as the WR. Then in the next few days they find this fish belly up. There goes the WR. The one fish that has been caught in 70 YEARS that could break the dubious Perry WR is dead. If he would have kept the fish it would have made a strong case for a legitimate WR. That would have been a wonderful wonderful thing for the bass fishing sport. Like I said though, I don't fault the gentelman for letting the fish go...in his mind he was doing the right thing because he did not think the fish would have qualified for the WR due to being foul hooked. My problem with that scenario is that it's the same argument people use for fish that are much smaller also... if people used that logic, this fish may have been on someone's wall as a 15lb caught years ago. Also, I do not think it is the biggest fish in the lake. If nothing else, the world knows there is a record fish to be caught. Remember the WR thread from a couple weeks ago, and lots of people said that there had to be a gradual mark of weights up to the record? This proves all those people were wrong and just because we haven't caught one, there are some really big fish out there. If last week someone said there was a 25lb'er out there he would have been laughed out of the forum. There is a bigger fish out there... we may never see it but it's there and it was probably caught at a smaller size and released.

You posted while I was writing the above. I don't care if he or anyone else keeps a record fish... my whole argument is that if he believed it would be DQ'd because of hook placement, there was no reason to keep the fish... especially if he thought he might have another shot at it. ANd if he doesn't, that fish will probably spawn. Like I said earlier, its a win-win by letting her go... it would have been lose-lose if he kept it, since it is as controversial as the current record. Regardless of his motivation, that fish deserved a release. As for skin mounts - I don't hold a grudge to anyone that has one but even the best taxidermy job will rot some years later, a glass replica will be correct in size, look better and last... and you can brag by saying you let her go!

Cart7, I'm not picking on you specifically but I was too lazy to go find other quotes and I have seen lots of posts here and on other threads that are nearly identical. I call B. S. on this kind of blanket statement. First of all, that is the same argument people have been making for fish in the 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and up lb. range for a long time. So if it's true, how long does it take for a 12 or 13 to grow to 25lbs? I say YEARS... several years. That means X number of spawns and more fish with great genetics and the fact that the original fish is still swimming around... how can you not like that? What happened to all the catch and release people... seems they all disappeared yesterday. This is the very essence of catch and release. Lets assume that the quote is true, if the fish is near death, why go through the time & trouble to get it tank ready if it's about to die? The difference between right and wrong is NOT measured in dollars and cents. This SHOULD have been the coolest thread ever but after reading all the posts again this morning, I feel like I got sucker punched at a family gathering. I'm actually shocked at the response to this catch.

That is classy!! We need more like him.

Everyone has a preference. I like slow... I have a 3rpm and a 6rpm. There was a good article in Rodmaker's last issue on finish quality. Lots of people prefer hand turning instead of a dryer... but they said a slow rpm motor simulates that better than a high speed. (duh!) ...lol I think the slower motors are more forgiving, the higher the rpm's the more exact your finish amount needs to be. If it matters, I'm using Threadmaster, and it's foolproof. Trust me! ...lol You can get it several places but I buy direct from Lamar. www.lamarreelseats.com (I bought a $12 size and have finished 5 rods with it and still have about half left.) It's awesome stuff. I'll be interested to see what Reelmech says... he has way more knowledge and expertise than I do.

Wow, you guys are killing me. Why don't we all think about it for a minute and examine what happened. If he knew it wouldn't be certified (and I think he knew it probably wouldn't) why keep the fish? Then all of you could rip him for not letting it go. All of you who call this bogus because he let it go are the same ones that stand on your golden pedastals and claim to release all big fish. But now you should keep it... so anyone saying that will easily compromise principal and sell out for some cash. Great, that's what I want my kids to learn. > This being the same group who will preach like it's Sunday morning about CPR... so if he kept it, nothing good would come of it... except a few people would see the mount. Oh joy. What a stupid idea! And you know what, rich people have just as many problems as we middle classers. (they just cost more to fix) Most of you guys are crying for a Sharelunker program for breeding... Or you are so ticked that Ga holds the record you want anyone to break it.... guess what, today both camps are full of freakin IDIOTS!!! This guy let the fish go and one of two things will happen (this would be a good place to start paying attention) either he catches it "legally" and we have a new world record - or he doesn't catch it and the fish spawns. Even if only 1% of her fry make it that is a boatload of fish with genes from a fish that SHATTERED the current world record, even if not certified! Its a WIN-WIN situation. It sure won't help it!! And why take her out and still have all the nay sayers crying about hook location... that's a LOSE-LOSE situation.Every person in Ca should write this guy a letter of thanks, he is the closest thing Ca has to a Sharelunker program right now! And any person who ever rooted for the record to be broken, for any reason, should love his actions. And one more thing before I get off the soapbox- to anyone scrutinizing the photo - just how many photos of 25lb bass have you studied? That's what I thought. To Glenn and all the Mods - Sorry, I realize this is a direct, even for me, but there is no reason on God's green earth to bag on this guy for doing something that most of us are not man enough to do. I'm actually mad at myself for getting fired up on this. I just thought that most people were into conservation and sportsmanship... or at least into something besides the almighty dollar. :-/ HE DID THE RIGHT THING and is a true champion of conservation and sportsmanship.

What a fish! Let don't start the Ga thing again... please? They still have the record and have for over 70 years... like it or not, that is an impressive stat.

Why not make a screen cage to partly submerge in the lake, that way you don't have to feed them or worry about water quality in the trough?

I hope the info is true... and they let her go knowing that it was going to be disqualified. I like to think that there are people with that kind of pride and integrity representing me and you, as Bass fisherman. What an incredible statement... knowing a fish that big is worth tons of $$$ (regardless of how it is caught) and snapping a few quick pics and letting it go. My only question is the scale... people out chasing records don't carry a $5 zebco spring scale... I bet it was more like a Boga or something which can easily be certified and are extremely accurate. I don't keep up with those guys and don't know anything about them... but if this is a true story, I have a ton of respect for them.

Reelmech, I guess we have both been working a little more than posting! The rod looks great! I would have loved to see a step by step wrapping post but I certainly understand being too busy!! (see the next paragraph!) Is that the 3C66MHF from the other posts? Was that the same customer from the original order? What did you end up with as far as number and size of guides? Looks like about a 10 butt and 7 bumper? Also, I know I have asked before but do you use the TAP pigments for marbling? I really do want to try it on one of my rods. While my wife's remodel job is proving to be WAY more than first agreed upon (the entire bathroom was gutted to the studs, including rewiring for different lighting, new ceramic tile, etc.) I am taking advantage of "garage trips" for tools and other work... I have finished the grips for the 5C70HF and glued up the handle on an All Star BAT827 rod. I had a friend help me put the new ceiling in the bathroom yesterday and we managed to turn down 2 sets of grips and got one of his handles glued up. Sleep? What's that?!?!?! ...lol

Does the asterick denote juiced fishermen, I saw LBH grocery list for Fork, consider it a liquid lunch. Of course it does... that would only demonstrate superior skills... if one could land a record on the sauce, he (or she) certainly could do it early in the am!! (although, some will claim that "calmed" nerves are helpful) ...lol Didn't all of you opt for the "insulated" rod box in your boats?!?!?! ;D Standard coolers are too small even for water and gatorade!

I sure would like to see an * by one of those later this year, with a footnote that say which member of this board caught it!!

I agree with rolo on the deeper water but if you are getting bite and missing them... focus on that first!

Lizards. Fish a t-rig (with or without weight depending on winds) lizard slow, and if you see a fish on the bed, pitch the lizard beyond the bed and bring it back into the bed and either let sit or shake lightly... more often than not, they will hit it. See the other posts on bed fishing for other ideas. If your area really is not pressured, these fish should be very catchable. Good luck tomorrow!

Pretty lofty predictions... I hope I'm there to assist on the landing and take the photos for you!!

I'm sure all insurance companies differ on procedure. But there should be no reason the salvage co. needs your financial info, period. Even if the insurance co is trying to minimize the payout by claiming $XXX of salvage value, that difference should be made up by the insurance company, AFTER the lender has beed paid and the insurance co has the title to the boat. The insurance co can't sell the boat or any salvage until the lien (title) has been released, of course this stuff varies a little bit state to state, due to variances in state laws. I'd suggest talking to the bank first. They have probably been through this before and can tell you how it works. If they can't, I'd spend $100 for a consult with an attorney. One other thing to consider... did you have any equity in the boat? If the boat was worth say $10k and the payoff was $5k and salvage $2k, you should be entitled to the difference. Also, was your poilcy for replacement (book) value or payoff only. Let us know how this works out.

**** March 31, 2006, Largemouth 8-9lbs AND 12-13lbs. **** Is that too specific? ...lol you said predictions... I think 3/31 will be a great day! My goal for the year is a 6lb Smallmouth! I have 2 home lakes both with lake records in the low 6lbs. I need a fiberglass replica in the den!! (the spot is already picked out)

19' Champion

Right next to the Fat Ika's!! ...lol ;D

I think it's getting expensive! ...lol Of course he'll suggest about 5 colors for everything, it's how he makes his living! But having said that, I personally contributed to his year end bonus last year!! My favorite line in the post- Have you ever "heard" someone gently talk you out of another $50? He's good. I started to reach for my wallet as I read that line. ...lol

Looks like vtbassin has caught the bug! ;D My only warning- There is no treatment for this! ...lol

That may be true to some extent, but my fishing time is dictated by my work schedule, not the lunar calendar. Many years ago, I did look at the calendar before planning a big trip. There is a lot of research that suggests all game fish and animals behavior is affected by the lunar cycles. The rut of Deer is one that comes to mind.

I hate to be the one here but what the heck... I say if you can stand on the deck with one foot, operate a hand control trolling motor with the other foot, AND set the hook, without spilling your beer, you are an athelete! ;D In all seriousness though, there are many times when running around the boat, trying to land a big fish that being atheletic (and graceful) is helpful but fishing does not make you an athelete.

Nope, in fact my experience over the last 15 years has been the exact opposite. My fishing has been better for the 5 day period. (2 days before the full moon to 2 days after) New moon (5 day period) has been 2nd best and the rest of the time about the same. (this post not being spawn specific)

We night fish a lot in Tx. We went out yesterday and the temp was mild so we stayed out until about midnight... as usual, the fishing was great after dark... better and better as the moon got high. Largies and smallies, until we got tired and went home. Most nights, anything resembling black and blue is a sure bet and any lizard, worm or brush hog type as well. Add to that any Zoom sapphire or electric. Besides soft plastics, topwaters usually produce. Cranks and spinnerbaits will work but I don't enjoy them as much so don't use them much. Typically dark colors work well and sometimes when the moon is bright, any of the favorite daytime colors work well... on a full moon I like white... it's been good to me for many years. I'll be trying some swimbaits and wakebaits this year...