[6_feet_deep]

Originally Posted by haulinbass227

...don't see anything saying no license no record.

I'm in NC, but everyone I talk too says that license doesn't matter for a record. The record is for the weight of the fish caught, not the weight of a fish caught by a licensed angler. Who know's...I guess we'll find out won't we.

Glad I could be of some help. I can't wait to see the pics...13lb largemouth is huge no matter what state you're in!

[Travis]

Nice fish and truely a fish of a lifetime. Something we all hope to do but most never get a chance. WHY did he not have his license!!! States have made it so easy and many states have some harsh penalties for repeat offenders (jail, loss of fishing and hunting license, potential loss of vehicles, boats, rods, etc.). I seriously doubt the fish will count based on two if not three of these reasons:

1. Fish must be taken by angling in New York State waters in accordance with New York State fishing regulations.
2. Fish entered in the Annual Award and State Record categories must be weighed on a certified scale by the owner of the scale or an employee, and must be witnessed by at least one other person.
3. Fish submitted as a potential State Record entry must be identified by a DEC biologist or a designee.

Fishing without a license would disqualify the record because he was not fishing in accordance with New York State regulations. The digital scales and not being certified would be the second strike. And the game warden might not be a DEC biologist and designee.

[MTfishingrods]

I would think #2 could be handled simply by getting your scales certified.
#3 can be identified through photos. So in my mind that just leaves #1. What a bummer if that is the way it turns out, but unfortunately I agree. We all pay our dues to fish. I know simply because of me manufacturing and selling tackle locally I make a greater effort to not break any fish and game rules. But it is really simple. You have to have a liscenes to fish. It wasnt his first time getting caught either. Anyone want to bet its the last time he ever fishes with no liscenes if that keeps it out of the record books. Still like I said before. No need to be discouraged. Pay the fine. Buy the license and get his but back out to that pond and get that monster again. He did it once, he can do it again.

[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".

[braveviper]

But did Perry have a license?

[MTfishingrods]

"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."


It can be examined. The entrals have not been removed yet. As I said before it can be Identified by the photo. LoL. I do know what your saying though. Interpretation is everything. I think your right on the scale issue also. After the fact probably is not good enough.

As far as Perry having a liscense? Do you think Georgia was issuing state fishing liscenses then? I dont know but I would guess maybe not? I tried to find an answer, but it wasnt on the first 3 google searches I tried when it dawned on me that really does not matter to me whether he had one or not. Different times different rules. I guess if we can allow fishing without a liscense, then netting, poisoning, dynomite, draining a lake or pond is all ok right. In fact I think I will cram a few lead bars down the throat of my next Pike and submit that. It will be a monster!

[braveviper]

Lead has been tried...Is it true that some tournements issue lie detectors and x-ray fish?

[Fleury9816]

You should have to have a license, it's the friggen law!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MTfishingrods]

Maybe drop some lead into each tail.

[Spike-A-Pike]

And how long to the authorities think they where dumping nuclear waste at your favorite fishing hole? Since the early sixties, looks about right. Might nice fish, shame only got a two body, I'z hear they go two headed, four bodied over 48" long.