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