Big Fish Records

[Bait O' Eggs]

I was looking at the state fish records this morning trying to see how big of steelhead it would take to be number 1. It appears IKE needs to be bigger than 35 pounds 8 ounces to take over the number one spot, that might be tough considering I am sure the record in 1970 probably had a one ounce advantage with an adipose fin.

Oregon Fish Records

Since that record probably wont fall with a hatchery fish, shouldnt their be a state record for a hatchery fish?

Just what are the procedures to record a large fish so it may go in the books. I know you need to get to a certified scale and have a witness, just what is a certified scale? A grocery store scale?

I guess the Umpqua or Rouge might kick out a native that would break the record, since that is the last place in Oregon that allows retention of wild fish.

I have heard of the length and girth measurements of fish, approximating weight, do the dimensions put you in the record book, do I need to pack a certified tape? hmmmmm...

[hawgcatcher]

BOE, Did you read the article in the STS about the monster steelhead? Man, those Babine fish are humongus. A 52# Steelie would knock my socks off. The Rogue would be a good bet or I wonder if the Columbia would put out one that was on the way to the Snake or Clearwater. With only being able to keep the hatchery fish, we probably will never get a larger fish here. I have seen some big ones in days gone by, in the Wilson, late in the season. Oh well that is what dreams are made of.

[Bubzilla]

In Oregon, the Umpqua is probably far-and-away the best bet for Ike these days. I've never seen any thirty pounders from there, but have heard about fish that were allegedly that big, and seen lots in the twenties. As for the Rogue, I would doubt it. Rogue fish just don't generally run that large on average--hatchery or wild. I think some really large natives still make it up the Illinois, but anything above the Appelgate weighing in over twenty is a real trophy. I can testify to the fact that the Nestucca still produces some HUGE natives though too.

Anyone read the guest editorial in the latest STS on this subject? Good points about how lame it is that the procedures for claiming a record fish virtually necessitate killing the fish. In my book, anyone who'd kill a thirty pound native just to get their name in print is a world class jerk!

[Ramstrong]

Roy,

All you would need to do is get a boca grip. Send it to IGFA to have it certified before you fish and then have the boca grip and a witness when you catch the monster. You can CNR a world record. Now for a State record, I'm not sure. I'd assume the same certified scale weight with witnesses would be okay with them but I'm not posotive.