MN Fishing Records-Is it time?

You’re post about Splash reminded me about a conversation I was involved in with the DNR.

My question is, “Do you think the MN DNR should look at revising the way and catagories state record fish are recorded?”

For example…

To hold a state record, the fish must be killed.
We only have a “largest of the species” category. Should we/they be looking at a

Harvested
and
Catch and Release record?

I’m not just asking folks from MN, other states as well because other states have other ways of recording fish.

Like…WI. The fish doesn’t have to be killed to be a record.

Since the DNR is a big proponent of catch and release, I don’t see why there would be a problem with dual records. Require a photo, measurements/weight and a witness and you are good to go.

The big problem I see with the record right now is that it must be certified at a DNR approved scale, which means reducing the fish to possession, which means it can’t go back.

Does anyone know the most recent state record to be broken? Was it the shovelnose sturgeon caught on P4 some years back?

I think it was that sturgeon.
I snapped a few pics for Vandy’s nephew Mike a few years ago of a record sauger that they released.Would have been nice for him to get in the book as a released record.
Other states have been doing it for years so it not like a whole study would need to be done to figure out how.

New lobby project for BK? He has nothing else going on!

Yes, it is time for catch and release records.

So how would logistics work on this? NEW records for C&R like a mad dash for the first 1-3 years? Or would you have to beat the existing record but C&R it?

No, too much other irons in the fire. Just wondering what others thought and how to go about doing it.

What about a flyfishing record, bowfishing record and a spearing record.

A category for each way fished in MN?

‘spose there could be an ice fishing record as well.

C&R records would be nice, but you run into several risks, including:

1) Species mis-identification. Easy in regards to species like bass, pike, etc, but you run into issues with concrete ID of species like sunfish (ie hybrids) and suckers (there are a lot of similar species of redhorse and carpsuckers).

2) Lying. It’s easy to make a fish look bigger in photos, and lying about measurements is no problem if your witness is a friend (and generally people fish with friends).

So, while I like the idea of C&R records, I think I would put less faith in them than a kept-fish record.

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‘spose there could be an ice fishing record as well.

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I wish there was, I would have just set one for lake sturgeon on 6# test

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‘spose there could be an ice fishing record as well.

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I wish there was, I would have just set one for lake sturgeon on 6# test

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Sorry man, it would be disqualified as out of season.

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Does anyone know the most recent state record to be broken?

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Quillback Carpsucker, 8/9/10

You could limit the shenanigans with requiring a picture and a picture of the full fish on a tape measure. Will it stop it, no, but in the end who cares. The record really doesn’t mean much in the end. I personally just use it as a measuring stick for fish I catch.

The DNR should sell certified color coded tape measures and start a length record. Snap a pic on there tape. Easy money for them!

I have always wondered why they don’t have a C&R record. I understand it is difficult logistically, and I also realize that there are a TON of people who cannot handle a fish without killing it.

I also understand that the DNR is a part of our government and they have earned every one of their nicknames (Do Nothing Retards, Does Not Respond, Department of No Results, Etc.). For them to do anything without talking about it for at least 5 years would be a miracle.

I would hold my breath, but I’m afraid I would turn blue and pass out long before they do anything

I know they’ve had C&R world records for a while, but they don’t mean much so far as I can tell. Then again, many of the killed records are disputed, too. Maybe the DNR should keep a “big fish database” that records the top 20 C&R of a species, something like that. An official tape measure would help with that effort — fish has to be photographed laying on the measure. Then you’re comparing apples to apples when you look at the pics in the database. DNR could certify certain brands of measures, and sell their own. Interesting thought, maybe.

I just went to the Minnesote Fishing Hall of Fame site not too long ago. You can become a master angler in the catch and release category. You’ll get an idea how honest some people will be when you look at the numbers compared to the picture.

Like I said, to me the state records don’t mean much anyway. So put it out there for fun.

Here’s a thought to toss on the table. What if the DNR got out of record keeping all together.

A private company taking over all state records?

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Here’s a thought to toss on the table. What if the DNR got out of record keeping all together.

A private company taking over all state records?

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How would the company make money? I think there is too much importance being placed on these records. Like I said, they really are not that big of a deal at the end of the day. I am sure someone could parlay a little money out of it from “sponsors” if they played their cards right by providing a testimonial, but that is about it.

Pay for the record title…much like the Freshwater Hall of Fame.

Stop poking holes in my half baked thoughts Pug.

I’m guessing it would have to be subsidized. I don’t think google ad words would cover the costs.

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Does anyone know the most recent state record to be broken?

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Quillback Carpsucker, 8/9/10

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My brother caught the new state record Warmouth in December 2011. I’m not sure how often they update, but he should be in the next revision.

Why is there such a inherent need to say mines the biggest?

I agree it is time the State of Minnesota establish a “Catch & Release Record” system.

How would you otherwise record a record from C&R Only/Experimental Regulated lakes?

This brings up another related subject: I think the Mn/DNR should allow a Trophy fish to be kept from Lakes with C&R/Experimental Regulations.

Such as the State Record Largemouth Bass is a 8-lb 15-oz. measuring 23.5″ Length/18″ Girth.

If you catch one over 22″ it may be kept, but papers must be submitted for the record books. This would then give all anglers and the DNR good info. on where the big fish are and how large they’ve grown. The likely hood of many of these large fish surviving after being handled is small, especially if deep hooked. This allows the keeping and collecting the record information provides the DNR with valuable data and allows the angler to put one on the wall.

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allows the angler to put one on the wall.

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I ‘spose there are some out there that would still like a skin mount.

I thought they were a thing of the past.

You sound like a UPS driver.

What is so hard. There is Bounty Fishing and they do it for tournaments. They supposedly also use software, but it is possible. It’s not like people are winning a contest if the DNR or private group certified a record based on photos, including one that had a tape measure next to the fish.

I am starting to think people take state records too seriously.

To be honest, I haven’t been there much since it started. I think I registered for one competition.

I seem to remember there was at least one guy who kept winning a couple North region categories. It would be a fairly decent way to make extra cash on the side if you had access to a lake with a good population of big fish of any one species. Also a good way to make money on the side as a guide.

Maybe I’m just stupid here, but why would it be an inevitability to have to kill a fish in order to establish a MN state record?

The current Illinois blue cat record was caught, weighed, and certified while alive. It only died in transport to Bass Pro Shops.

Splash was also weighted and certified as a world record prior to taking up residence at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center.

Seems like it should be possible to me…

Cruised through Bounty. I see the payouts are smaller and basically every category the same people win over and over.

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Maybe I’m just stupid here, but why would it be an inevitability to have to kill a fish in order to establish a MN state record?

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Give the man from IL a prize! Thank you!

There was a MN bass that was caught in a Metro area (sorta)lake a few years back. It was transported alive and there was some noise about it being transported to …Brainard(?)

Ryan, what do you think the chances are to contact a DNR person at 1, 2 or 3 am to stop by and weight your 71 pounder?

How would we get it to a certified scale at that time even if we could keep it alive while transporting.

What grocery store would let us in?

‘Cuse me, I would like to use your certified meat scale to weigh my fish, could you point the direction?

Security!…SECURITY!!

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Is it possible to keep the fish alive? Absolutely. Is it likely? Unless the DNR is willing to drive a truck to the location with an aerated tub I don’t see how the majority of anglers would have the capability or knowledge to keep the fish alive during transport. I guess I’m just assuming the DNR doesn’t provide that service currently, maybe they do?

Sure, a lot of guys have boats with live wells. I’ve never never seen a live well that would hold a 71 lb. flathead myself though. If we’re talking walleye, bass, panfish, etc. then it’s not so difficult. With flatheads and sturgeon it gets a little trickier.

The idea about a state certified tape measure is an interesting thought.

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Bottom line is you’d be breaking the law now transporting that fish. With all the regulations and prevention concerning AIS (aquatic invasive species), you have to drain all livewells, dump your bait buckets, etc, etc. You can’t transport water from where you were fishing at.

A Ranger livewell would be sufficient for a 70lb flathead though!

I dunno Chris, I’ve seen a 45 in Stickboy’s Ranger. Things are starting to get tight!

That’s what I’m saying. There’s almost no chance to get a DNR official to a dock at the time we would catch one (chances are) and we can’t legally transport.

What’s left? Shove a stringer through it’s mouth and tie it to a dock until morning?

Sturgeon would be another one. If I didn’t have a tag…and kill it, it wouldn’t be a record.