[Bass Seeker]

So a fisherman is on the water at a C&R lake such as Audrey. He hooks and lands a smallmouth which is more than 7lb 2 oz. the current NJ state record.
All potential state record fish must be weighed on a certified scale. However he must put the fish back.
I don't know how big the SMB in Audrey have grown but it seems that a few in the 5 lb range have been caught.
Interesting. If someone is presented with this situation lets hope he does the right thing.

 

[shamoo]

To me its a no brainer, Take a couple of Photos, take the measurements, give her a big ole smooch and see ya later MOMA:thumbsup:

 

[BassAssassin8]

To me its a no brainer, Take a couple of Photos, take the measurements, give her a big ole smooch and see ya later MOMA:thumbsup:

X2. No brainer. A record is sweet but C&R is more important to me when it comes to LMB and SMB. Those fish gotta keep the genes a flowin' :thumbsup:

 

[Dirtypenny725]

I think most people will know what to do..but unfortunately there are those that just don't know better or care, like those still fishing this place when it was still closed. It'll be up to those of us that do know better to police and educate those that don't. The Wardens and CO's can't be everywhere at once...we need to work together.

 

[fatkid]

I'm keeping that sucker!!!

 

[shamoo]

I think most people will know what to do..but unfortunately there are those that just don't know better or care, like those still fishing this place when it was still closed. It'll be up to those of us that do know better to police and educate those that don't. The Wardens and CO's can't be everywhere at once...we need to work together.

I believe Lake Audry is suppose to get Posted, so anglers will be aware of Catch & Release, they dont have to know anything, its the Law, obey it, for the anglers who just dont care probably wont listen, in fact they will most likely become confortational, be careful. This is the way I feel but what the heck do I know:huh:.

I have turned people in before, write down a description of the vehicle, anything you feel you need and call a conservation officer, if they are in the area they will be there, if not, they will keep an eye out for the vehicle and get them later.

I really hope anglers take the C & R seriously.

 

[Bass Seeker]

I believe Lake Audry is suppose to get Posted, so anglers will be aware of Catch & Release, they dont have to know anything, its the Law, obey it, for the anglers who just dont care probably wont listen, in fact they will most likely become confortational, be careful. This is the way I feel but what the heck do I know:huh:.

I have turned people in before, write down a description of the vehicle, anything you feel you need and call a conservation officer, if they are in the area they will be there, if not, they will keep an eye out for the vehicle and get them later.

I really hope anglers take the C & R seriously.

I pretty much agree. Those that fished when the lake was closed, and ignore other rules will continue to do so. The interesting thing will be when a fisherman who normally obeys the law catches what could be the next state record. There are some whose character might not pass the test.

As for confronting law breakers, yes one must be careful. I think everyone should begin by assuming the violator isn't familiar with the regs and simply point out, in a friendly manner that the waters are C&R. Failing that, recording the hull number if in a boat and/or a good description of the offender is next. Cell phone cameras are a wonderful device. I'd use it to photograph the offender (hopefully holding the fish) and then to call F&W. You could also get the offenders vehicle registration number or at least a description of it. Again a photo is great. All of that might prompt compliance.


Of course don't get yourself hurt. If the situation has the feel that it might spiral out of control, back off. But gather as much helpful info as possible and provide it to the proper authorities.

Those that have a true interest in this must be proactive. If an apprehension is made and you're asked to appear as a witness, put your money where you mouth is, appear and testify.

 

[BigFred1]

Just FYI, there aren't any smallies close to the State record in Lake Audrey and wouldn't be for at least the next few years. That's based on the size of the adult smallies that were stocked and the expected growth rate in that body of water. There are definitely some 5's right now and in a few years possibly some 6's though.

And, as mentioned, any potential record caught in a C&R lake would need to be returned to the water and couldn't legally be weighed as a State record.

 

[BobH]

Just FYI, there aren't any smallies close to the State record in Lake Audrey and wouldn't be for at least the next few years. That's based on the size of the adult smallies that were stocked and the expected growth rate in that body of water. There are definitely some 5's right now and in a few years possibly some 6's though.

And, as mentioned, any potential record caught in a C&R lake would need to be returned to the water and couldn't legally be weighed as a State record.

Thank you Fred. That should leave no doubt in anyone's mind that those fish should be returned immediately.

 

[Bass Seeker]

Thank you Fred. That should leave no doubt in anyone's mind that those fish should be returned immediately.

I don't think there has been any doubt in anyones mind that it's C&R. My point is in the original post in this thread that a fisherman who otherwise has remained within the law may be challenged by such a catch and I ended the thought with: "lets hope he does the right thing".
Mike

 

[Dirtypenny725]

I believe Lake Audry is suppose to get Posted, so anglers will be aware of Catch & Release, they dont have to know anything, its the Law, obey it, for the anglers who just dont care probably wont listen, in fact they will most likely become confortational, be careful. This is the way I feel but what the heck do I know:huh:.

I have turned people in before, write down a description of the vehicle, anything you feel you need and call a conservation officer, if they are in the area they will be there, if not, they will keep an eye out for the vehicle and get them later.

I really hope anglers take the C & R seriously.

Okie dokie

 

[FisherX]

How bout you quit beating the dead horse on the catch and release topic already. Just a thought.

 

[bassman4519]

How bout you quit beating the dead horse on the catch and release topic already. Just a thought.

Its a very important topic. Especially on a lake like this, where the entire future of the lake depends on catch and release and people obeying these rules.

How about if you dont have anything productive to add, you dont say anything. Just a thought.:huh:

 

[Bass Seeker]

How bout you quit beating the dead horse on the catch and release topic already. Just a thought.

"Beating the dead horse"....Really? Why, do you find the practice and discussion of C&R offensive?

 

[shamoo]

How bout you quit beating the dead horse on the catch and release topic already. Just a thought.

Heres a thought, Dont read it.

 

[Flyguy784]

Here's a thought. You catch a record, you own a certified scale. You walk onto the beach, weigh and photograph the fish with the required witnesses to the catch and weighting. You revive and release the fish. It's that easy. Join IGFA and they'll certify any good quality scale. Find out the requirements for submitting records. It's done frequently in IGFA record applications. You meet the catch and release requirement and get your record.

For the guy that said " I'm keepin that sucka" you obviously have no consense and place your own petty lack of self asteem above everyone else. My guess would be, you don't catch alot of premium sized fish. Grow up and get a grip. :thumbsup:

 

[bassman4519]

Here's a thought. You catch a record, you own a certified scale. You walk onto the beach, weigh and photograph the fish with the required witnesses to the catch and weighting. You revive and release the fish. It's that easy. Join IGFA and they'll certify any good quality scale. Find out the requirements for submitting records. It's done frequently in IGFA record applications. You meet the catch and release requirement and get your record.

For the guy that said " I'm keepin that sucka" you obviously have no consense and place your own petty lack of self asteem above everyone else. My guess would be, you don't catch alot of premium sized fish. Grow up and get a grip. :thumbsup:

Great post Mr. Yank.:thumbsup:

 

[fatkid]

Here's a thought. You catch a record, you own a certified scale. You walk onto the beach, weigh and photograph the fish with the required witnesses to the catch and weighting. You revive and release the fish. It's that easy. Join IGFA and they'll certify any good quality scale. Find out the requirements for submitting records. It's done frequently in IGFA record applications. You meet the catch and release requirement and get your record.

For the guy that said " I'm keepin that sucka" you obviously have no consense and place your own petty lack of self asteem above everyone else. My guess would be, you don't catch alot of premium sized fish. Grow up and get a grip. :thumbsup:

Please...We are talking about a record fish. You are correct in thinking I don't catch any premium sized fish.
10lb Fluke been there done that
9lb Weakie been there done that
37lb Striper been there done that
30inch Pickeral been there done that
24inch Largemouth been there done that
6.5lb Brown trout been there done that
27lb Salmon been there done that
4 1/2lb Smallie been there done that
17" Crappie been there done that
I think I'm the only one being honest here...People on this site constantly question any time someone even posts a weight with a pic. A record sized smallie would be kept and I will pay the fine for keeping a fish.

 

[bassman4519]

Please...We are talking about a record fish. You are correct in thinking I don't catch any premium sized fish.
10lb Fluke been there done that
9lb Weakie been there done that
37lb Striper been there done that
30inch Pickeral been there done that
24inch Largemouth been there done that
6.5lb Brown trout been there done that
27lb Salmon been there done that
4 1/2lb Smallie been there done that
17" Crappie been there done that
I think I'm the only one being honest here...People on this site constantly question any time someone even posts a weight with a pic. A record sized smallie would be kept and I will pay the fine for keeping a fish.

Well then you dont have any conservative mind at all, thats terrible that you would go against the rules somewhere just to see your name in a book. And if you think that you would get in the record book once you told them where you caught it(but you would most likely lie about that too), your sadly mistaken. If the fish that is caught, is caught without being within the rules at said place caught or state/government set rules then the record will not be approved.

That isnt a true sportsmen if you would do that, your the type of person that gives the rest of fishermen a bad name.:thumbsdown:

 

[fatkid]

Well then you dont have any conservative mind at all, thats terrible that you would go against the rules somewhere just to see your name in a book. And if you think that you would get in the record book once you told them where you caught it(but you would most likely lie about that too), your sadly mistaken. If the fish that is caught, is caught without being within the rules at said place caught or state/government set rules then the record will not be approved.

That isnt a true sportsmen if you would do that, your the type of person that gives the rest of fishermen a bad name.:thumbsdown:
__________________
Conservative mind??? Are you kidding me??? We are talking about ONE fish of record size. And as far as you go by saying that I would probably lie about where I caught it as I stated earlier I'm probably the only one who is speaking the truth on this matter. The type of person that gives fisherman a bad name, don't make me laugh...I would guess that more than 1/2 of the people that don't fish expect everything to be kept,they will look at you strange when you do let something go. That being said I believe it has been a good 17 years since I kept a freshwater fish besides a trout or salmon and that was on a Canadian trip that we did a shore lunch on.

Some people need to get off of there high horses:razz: