Re: record large mouth bass?

[Frank Olson <Use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob La Londe wrote:
> "Frank Olson" <Use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:rGeUf.172744$H%4.104711@xxxxxxxxxxx
>
>>Spike2 wrote:
>>
>>>http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/outdoors/20060320-1251-bn20bass.html
>>
>>
>>When I go fishing (and the last time was in May of 2005), it's usually for
>>Steelhead or Trout.  I'm not what you'd call an avid (or even "rabid")
>>fisherman, but there is one sentence in the story that sort of piqued my
>>curiousity, and perhaps Bob La Londe can explain:
>>
>>"That may be a problem, however, because Weakley said he foul-hooked the
>>fish ? meaning the hook lodged below the dorsal fin on the fish's side,
>>not in the fish's mouth."
>>
>>When I'm fishing for Trout, it's with one "aim" in mind, and that is to
>>cook my catch.  I don't care if I get the sucker by a "fair hook" or
>>"foul" (if I can get him into the boat and he's big enough, he's roasted).
>>:-)
>>
>>Frank Olson
>>http://wwww.yoursecuritysource.com
>
>
>
> Largemouth bass is fished through most of the country for sport.  Tournament
> fishing for bass is so prevalent that many people would never consider
> eating one.  Anyway, in regards to your question.  Most of the western
> states do not allow "snagging" any fish listed as a game fish.  Snagghing
> being defined as intentionally foul hooking a fish.  Largemouth falls in
> this category.  Snagging is a very damaging way to fish.  In addition
> largemouth and some other species are particulary susceptiple to snagging
> when they are on shallow spawning beds in the spring.  That would be now I
> am guessing on Lake Dixon where this fish was caught.  Most tournament rules
> allow you to fish for spawning bass, but any fish must be hooked in the
> mouth.  A foul hooked fish must be immediately released when bed fishing.
>
> California's regulation for fishing simpley says that the fish must not be
> "intentionally" snagged or foul hooked.  Before I go on and explain the
> controversy let me explain why their rule may be worded that way.  When
> fishing bedding fish they don't want people to throw in next to them with a
> huge snagging rig and injure the fish, but for other types of fishing such
> as working a topwater bait and sometimes even using a crank bait a
> legitimate strike at the bait by the fish will result in a hook up outside
> of the mouth.
>
> The controversy is mostly perpetuated by jealous angler who wish they had
> caught this world record fish.  Anyway, these guys took its picture, weighed
> it and released it because it was foul hooked believing that they could not
> qualify for the IGFA world record.  Very upright behavior in my opinion.
> Then it was pointed out to them that IGFA rules only say that it must be
> caught legally, and that since Ca regs only say you can not intentionally
> foul hook the fish there catch was a legal catch.  They considered applying
> to IGFA for the world record, but after weighing in all the options the
> decided not to.
>
> Now what is the big deal.  Because of the competitive nature of bass fishing
> and the potential for marketing opportunities the angler who catches the
> next world record largemouth bass has the opportunity to make a lot of
> money.
>
> FYI:  The existing world record largemouth bass weighed in at 22lb 4oz. and
> has stood since 1932
>


Thanks Bob.  I sincerely hope (after reading all this) that this honour
falls to you...  "Go get 'im!"  :-)

Frank Olson
http://www.yoursecuritysource.com