Guys what can we do, when we do catch that record fish. Other then release it and forgo the record? Just like the new State Record that was caught at Pickwick the end of Jan. When TWRA offcers told him there was a good chance the fish would not make it. He would not kill the 14.58 lb largemough for the record.

They got a TWRA biologist on the line and he informed them that to certify the catch as a state record they would need blood samples, certified scales, 2 witnesses, dorsal fin clippings, and more to document the catch. In short, they felt the fish would have to die to provide the evidence of the catch being a state record.

There has to be a better way of doing this, Rather then killing a big fish. I know a guy that had the new World Record Blue Catfish a few years back. But he would not kill it to get it weighed and then certified for the record.

Anyone that has been thorough this process? That can help out with what is best to do in keeping the fish alive?

Pete

Fish Chris where are you?

Big-O?

WRB??

Any other potential record holders? RW, I know you have had some on the line!

Would like to know this myself!

Jeff

You have to be prepared before you start fishing and have a certified scale, camera, tape measure, cell phone and numbers to contact, plus be able to keep the bass alive outside of the live well until the fish can be examined.

Very difficult to keep big bass alive in a standard size 15 to 20 gallon live well for more than an 1 hour. Proper DO levels and water temperature plus the negative stress of being caught and handled. I use a custom 10' weighted stringer with polyeurthane coated sst wire and safety clips that doesn't harm the bass and keep the fish in the lake.

It comes down to how much you want the record verses releasing a healthy bass, difficult decisions to make.

Tom