I agree Steve, It was foul hooked for crying out loud, and these guys are no
stranger to the record I'm sure, But I think the reason they didn't go
through all the paperwork and procedures is the fact that they knew it would
not be recognized.
What would have been cool is if it was donated to an aquarium. 25 pound
bass on display for all to enjoy, yet the record would remain intact. That
would have been classy. This fish is a sitting duck, on a lake populated
with duck hunters. If for some reason it is recognized, I'll be highly
disappointed too
--
www.wermieerniebaits.com
Making fish regret their decision on a daily basis
"Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers" wrote in
message ...
"John" wrote in message
...
Another confusing world record possibility at Lake Dixon:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports...-bn21bass.html
Hopefully readers of this board will read up on IGFA rules and avoid the
problems these three guys evidently got into Monday on Lake Dixon. Foul
hooked, no measurements, no certified scales, no biologist species
certification, and maybe the list of problems that could prohibit his
World Record status goes on and on (help landing it, lure/line status,
notarized application, etc. are all possibilities). As more stories
about the catch go public, we'll probably find out more of their sad
story.
You can bet that the IGFA will conduct exhaustive studies and analysis
for any all tackle world Largemouth Bass record. Let your mind wander as
to the nature of "exhaustive studies" they may fund. IGFA told me that
they use independent testing laboratories to verify line strength. There
are lots and lots of hoops to jump through to get an IGFA certified world
record and there are a lot of people behind the scenes who will try to
take it away from you.
"Must be caught legally" is one big obstacle. I just hope any readers
here persevere and do all the right things they have to do to get the
world record they deserve. It would be a shame to get caught up in the
excitement of the moment and loose a potential world record. Calmer
heads would have kept it alive and taken this gorgeous fish to the Marina
in their live well so it could be kept alive and put on display so
fishing families everywhere could enjoy it. The living World Record fish
on display would sharply contrast with the current picture of the three
Lake Dixon Stooges - Larry, Moe and Shemp who squandered HIS big chance!
Not to pee on this guy's Cheerios or anything, but if the IGFA does
recognize this as the new world record, I for one will be extremely
disappointed.
Certainly, it is a big fish, but if he didn't provide ALL of the criteria,
length, girth, weighed on a certified scale, etc., then he has no hard
proof that he actually caught a new world record. Without proof, then
there should be no record. AND, it was foul-hooked for God's sake!!!!
"California Department of Fish and Game regulations state that a fish, to
be legally caught, must be hooked in the mouth while it tries to take a
bait, lure or fly." is what the article states. So according to
California law, it wasn't a legal catch to begin with! I don't care that
he "didn't intend to" snag the fish, as attested to by his fishing
buddies, he still did, unless he can convince the IGFA that the fish
struck with it's pectoral fin!
Jeez, back in the 70's, I submitted an application for a line class record
king salmon to the IGFA and it was rejected because the line sample I sent
was 4 inches too short! It didn't matter that I had everything else
required, photos, measurements, verification by a Wisconsin DNR official,
etc, it was that the line sample didn't measure the "proper" length.
I know that there is a lot of money on the line for a new world record
largemouth, but I don't see how the IGFA can even consider it! If they
do, then the entire process is tainted in my estimation.
Had he made a legal catch, followed ALL the rules as required in the IGFA
submission process, and then was awarded the World Record, I would be
leading his cheering section.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com