| Despite a campaign of disinformation and | | | | The previous record was 38 pounds 9 ounces, |
| inaccuracies, I can state categorically that the new | | | | Ringer's pike at 39 pounds 13 ounces, caught in |
| Idaho record pike may have been caught in Lake | | | | Cougar Bay, beat that mark by more than a |
| Coeur d'Alene. There may, however, be some | | | | pound. The fish measured 48.5 inches long and |
| questions regarding the validity of the new record | | | | had a 27.5-inch girth. State records are certainly |
| and the manner in which the fish was caught. The | | | | less stringent than IGFA, (International Game Fish |
| Idaho Fish and Wildlife website already lists the | | | | Association), rules, and probably for good reason. |
| new record seemingly without reservations. I was | | | | The catching of a state record fish may do alot |
| always under the impression that for a record to | | | | to promote state revenues, either by increased |
| be valid that the catch had to be made by the | | | | licenses sold, more tackle and gear sales by |
| angler "unassisted". Now I can understand your | | | | fishing retailers, etc. |
| buddy handling the net when you bring the fish up | | | | I personally subscribe to the catch and release |
| to the boat or bank, but the reports I have read | | | | philosophy. Weigh and measure the fish and then |
| says that Bob Ringer of Post Falls, (or Hayden), | | | | release it to grow even larger and be caught by |
| reports vary, was assisted by his friend, Skip | | | | another lucky angler. This also keeps that |
| Arthur, (or Skip Archer), again, reports vary, who | | | | genetically superior fish reproducing and thus |
| jumped into three feet of water to hand grab the | | | | insuring the future of the fishery. For the sheer |
| fish by the eye sockets and bring it to shore. So | | | | thrill and enjoyment that fish gave Bob, I think it |
| it seems that in the State of Idaho any number | | | | earned its freedom! After all, a Pike of that size |
| of anglers can assist in securing a record fish. | | | | might be twenty years of age or older. Just my |
| Perhaps Bob's buddy Skip should get half credit | | | | opinion, for what it's worth. |
| for the catch. Would he have been able to land it | | | | But let's give Bob his due. He obviously put in his |
| without his help? (Source; April 18th, & April 24th. | | | | time and seems no less deserving to hold the |
| Mike Satren, Hagadone News Network Outdoors | | | | record as the next guy. It is said that his fish was |
| Editor). | | | | a spawned-out female, she might have weighed |
| Secondly, while Idaho fish and wildlife regulations | | | | three or four pounds more prior to releasing her |
| permit the use of dead bait, the use of "natural | | | | eggs. That also means that she left behind |
| prey" species is prohibited. By using a dead perch | | | | another generation of her progeny for future |
| Bob admitted taking the pike by illegal means. If | | | | fishermen to enjoy. All in all, not a bad legacy to |
| the state accepts the pike as a new state record | | | | give her life for. |
| under these circumstances, it would seem that | | | | I realize that these opinions and the presumed |
| they would be encouraging further instances of | | | | facts of the catch may prove controversial, |
| illegal bait usage. Was Bob cited by the Idaho | | | | however, to me, a record is not a record if the |
| Department of fish & Game for this infraction? I | | | | rules apply differently to different individuals. |
| doubt it. It would seem to be the first | | | | Max-fishing wants to know your opinion. Do you |
| responsibility of any angler to be aware of, and | | | | think that Bob Ringer's pike should be allowed as |
| follow the regulations of the waters he or she | | | | the new Idaho record? Send us your emails at: Be |
| fishes. Should the department of fish and wildlife | | | | sure to put "Idaho Pike Record" in the subject line. |
| look the other way just because it may promote | | | | We will publish the most compelling emails on both |
| the area fishery or be economically advantageous | | | | sides of the issue. |
| to the region? | | | | |