Record Bass

[Rooger]

Here's a hypothetical - what does one do if they catch what they think might be a Lake/State/World record bass? What is considered a "certified" scale? What can and can't you do? What sportsman ethics are involved?

I doubt this will ever happen to me - my biggest is 12#, but you never know. Maybe I'll be in someone's boat when they catch a monster. Sad to say, but I have no idea what to do if it ever happens other than take a bunch of pictures before letting it go.

(A guy can always dream!)

[texas john]

From what I have read and heard the best things to do are to take tons of pictures as you have stated. Use some line to take measurments of the fishes length and girth. Take the fish to the closest reputable marina and let them help weigh the fish, most of the better ones will have some sort of certified scale. Most important keep the big girl alive!!! Ihave heard of big bass being caged during confirmation of their size ext. so do ur best to keep her kicking!!

[barse41]

supermarkets ghave certified scales, get her there before she starts losing weight.

[Rod Martin]

get the hook out Kiss her on the lips and release

[Steve]

You have to have it weighed on a certified scale, and you can get your fishing scale certified at a county weights and measures department (there is a fee). A salter scale works good for this. You have to have I think two people other than yourself witness the weighing of the fish. And finally the hardest part, you have to have a CDFG Biologist come and verify the fish is indeed whatever species you are claiming it is. The biologist does not have to verify the weight, but its a good idea.

[CN]

get the hook out Kiss her on the lips and release

I bet you would certify one you thought was over 22lb's I sure would but then agian I'm not to worried about it happening . But it's got to be cought on a man made lure right?

Mike

[Oldschool]

Here's a hypothetical - what does one do if they catch what they think might be a Lake/State/World record bass? What is considered a "certified" scale? What can and can't you do? What sportsman ethics are involved?

I doubt this will ever happen to me - my biggest is 12#, but you never know. Maybe I'll be in someone's boat when they catch a monster. Sad to say, but I have no idea what to do if it ever happens other than take a bunch of pictures before letting it go.

(A guy can always dream!)

The problem is authenicating the catch and trying to release the bass in healthy condition. If you insist on C & R the authenication process becomes the problem.
Lake records are usually not well known and can be researched after the catch is made.
State record should be authenicated using the same procedure as a World Record without the IGFA application form.
World records must follow all the rules and regulations listed for IGFA record application. 1. Lake record; Good photograph of the fish laying flat with a measurement rule in the picture. Photograph of the angler holding the bass. Photograph of the bass on the scale with the weight displayed if possible. Witness of the catch.
2. State record; CA = 21.75 lbs. See #1, plus CA Fish & Game biologist or warden to authenicate the catch; examine the bass for added weight and determine the catch was made within state laws. The bass should be weighed on a certified scale and measured for length and girth.
3. World record; 22,25 lbs. See #1 & 2, plus IGFA application form to be completed, 2 witnesses of the weigh in process, 100 feet of line from the reel. Weight must be on certified scale with current Weights & Measures calibration. Measurement of length and girth should be photographed. Discription of lure or bait used and photograph of lure or rig.
The problem of trying to perform all those tasks and keep the bass healthy is difficult. Bass should not be out of water more than 30 seconds at any one time. Another problem is getting a certified weight with witnesses in CA. You can't legally transport a live bass away from the lake to get a certified scale weight and most lakes do not have a certified scale at the marina.
The Jennings Ultra Sport 30 compact digital scale can be certified, is very accurate and includes a tape measure.
My advice; if the bass weighs over 20 lbs, put it on ice. The bass isn't going to live much longer and will more than likely die from the handling anyway.
Good luck.
Tom

[Rod Martin]

My chances of catching a 22 are so small, I would probley have a heart attack and fall over board , I dont even take a camera with me anymore. The pix I have in my mind are better than I could ever get on a camrea[and they grow after the catch]

I will take a camera for people I fish with if they want. but not often.

[cib11b]

I never bring a camara, scale, or a net with me they are all bad joo joo in my boat!!