Puzzling Question for the Experts

[Daze Off]

Since the new state record was established for largemouth recently I got to wondering about the record for smallies. This being the time of year to really latch into a huge pig I got to thinking: Given that the rules state that all smallmouth bass caught after (Sept. something) must be immediately returned to the water - what happens if you catch a smallie now that is a candidate for the state record?

Do you have to automatically throw it back as the rules suggest or is there some other procedure to follow in this instance?

May be as simple as toss it back but wouldn't that be awfully tough to do with a potential state record fish....

Your thoughts?

Daze Off

[river rat316]

Its C&R only right now, there is no speciual provision for a State record fish, it kinda stinks but I would rather see it this way then letting people keep the pigs that are getting into there wintering holes

[Daze Off]

I'm with you on destroying such a magnificent fish but it sure would be tough - hope that if it ever happens that whoever it happens to has a good camera along.

Would be typical of my "luck" to have something like that happen to me - ship at the airport kind of deal.

Daze Off

[Deitz Dittrich]

Daze as stated... you wouldhave to throw it back.. even if it was the state record. They allow us to fish for them, but they must be returned unharmed. To be honest, the state recor sturgeon has been broke many times over, however the catch and keep season is so short, to break the record it wouldhave to be caught in that very short season.

[bassin]

What about a largemouth caught on a lake that is catch and release only, but caught during the regular bass season?

[prophet]

the fish must be returned on a catch and return lake even

during bass season

[Deitz Dittrich]

Bassin, That fish would have to be released back to the water... Chisago Lake is a catch and release lake... I have never caught a fish that is state record quality.. but if I did.. I would have to put it back.

[musky hunter]

Well, that regulation applies to inland waters. However Minnesota-Wisconsin border waters do not have that restriction. Think of the possibilities: you could potentially catch a dual record, both a Minnesota and Wisconsin record with one fish. Would you have to have licenses in both state then to claim a dual record? I know there is an 8# 1oz. smallie swimming around with my name on it. Only problem, I may not have time to go get it before things freeze up. The best I've done this year is still 3 lbs. short of the record. Darn. I looked at the length and weight tables yesterday, and it appears to me that the record bass will about 24" long, just in case any one is wondering.