[Travis]

From my understanding the scales must be certified prior to use, not after the fact. This is typically done for accuracy and bracketing by calibrated standards. Also they say it needs to be weighed on a certified scale and typically don't waiver too much.

When it comes to identification the the New York regulations seem to read for a State Record Catagory Fish (not catch and release record) "Make sure the fish is identified and examined by a DEC fisheries biologist or his designee prior to any cutting of the fish or removal of entrails. Section F will be completed by the person verifying the fish". This always seems couter productive to me.

Both these issues held true for the possible world record bass from few years ago (Paul Duclos). He released the fish instead of likely killing the fish to get it to a biologist and they used a bathroom scale that was non certified . Supposedly the scale was certified after the fact. But needless to say we still have the Perry's "World Record Bass".