I recently caught my PB largemouth in a farm pond. It weighed 8.7 pounds on my cheap scales. It will qualify for a state citation if I can get the scales certified as somewhat accurate. is there somewhere around the Richmond area that can certify scales?

 

Call the fishing department at Green Top and ask them after you call the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries and ask them for assistance.

 

Congrats on your catch.

 

Welcome to the Fourm.

I am 99% sure that you cannot certify a scale after the fact.  Did you measure the length?  if so you can have someone who was a witness certify the length and it is the sam thing.  

 

https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/trophy-fish/scales/

 

On 7/19/2021 at 9:49 PM, flyfisher said:

I am 99% sure that you cannot certify a scale after the fact.  Did you measure the length?  if so you can have someone who was a witness certify the length and it is the sam thing.  

 

https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/trophy-fish/scales/

 

Hawg is 100% correct. According to the link he provided, the scales have to get calibrated (not certified) BEFORE the fish is weighed. Looks like I'll have to wait until I catch the next big one before I apply for a citation. However, it took me 73 years to catch this one, so I may run out of time.

 

Thanks, everyone, for the input.

2 hours ago, DaveButch said:

Hawg is 100% correct. According to the link he provided, the scales have to get calibrated (not certified) BEFORE the fish is weighed. Looks like I'll have to wait until I catch the next big one before I apply for a citation. However, it took me 73 years to catch this one, so I may run out of time.

 

Thanks, everyone, for the input.

I never go by weight citations as I usually use length.  I catch quite a few of those a year and you will too if you keep at it.  The weights vary wildly as well on a 22" fish.  I have had them weigh a little over 5lbs up to 8lb 6oz.  besides that, you don't even get a trophy certificate anymore, you have to print them at home lol