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.

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. 

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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