"Ronnie" wrote in message
...

As I understand it, this wouldn't be the world record because the IGFA
requires a record to beat the old one by two ounces, so it officially
would
be considered a tie

That is the way I understand it, too, and what I said in the short
article I did on it.

I wonder what standards and rules would apply under the old Field & Stream
rules where Perry's fish was registered. As near as I can tell IGFA did not
exist back then.

Not going to get into old arguments about Dottie, but a fish hooked outside
of the mouth might not be disqualified from record holding status according
to IGFA. Still I have a lot of respect for them deciding to release the
fish, and because they were sight fishing it probably was not a qualifying
catch. Just remember that "foul hooked" is not an instant illegitimate
catch or you could find yourself throwing away tournament winning fish that
you could have weighed legally. Know your local regulations, and read your
tournament rules. I personally know three people who have made that
mistake, and its happened in pro level tournaments as well.

Hard jerkbait and topwater fish are routinely hooked outside the mouth.
Neither method is usually fished to deliberately "snag" a fish.

Bob La Londe
www.YumaBassMan.com