Keeping them alive

[philsfriend]

Finally had some good luck on the James with all the help from the post's I've been reading and my buddy caught a 42 inch blue cat, no scale in the boat but we released it for a length citation. We were fishing at night and caught it around 1:30 am. What is the best way to keep a large fish alive in order to get a weight citation??

[Big Cat]

You dont need to take the fish anywhere to get the weight citation. Just weigh it and fill out the form.

[catman]

best way for filling out the forms is just to use a measurement. anything over 38" is a citation.
if you decide to weigh the fish, take the handle off the net and weigh the net and fish togather. afterwards, subtract the weight of the net. your fish will enjoy the experience better using this method.[smile]

[RANGER690]

Those guys are right. The net weight method works great. You might be surprized just how accurate todays $15-20 scales are. Check yours against any known weight (barbells or dumbbells or any certified scale. Record the weight of your fish and just have your fishing partnet sign as a witness. VDGIF does NOT require you to take it to a scale. They know that kills trophy fish. We all fill out our own forms. Sure that leaves it open to someone to be dishonest, but we all know in our hearts what we have or have not accomplished.

Also, I believe it was Dwayne Snyder of Fin & Skin that gives an open invitation to use the name of his shop on your form if you wish.

Don't sweat it. Catch em! Measure or weigh em! Get a pic and slide them back.

Love it!!!!

Good Luck,

Dayton

[flemflamman]

Anybody got a name over at VDGiF who can collaborate the weigh and release method? The website still directs you to a store cert scale.

Good information I like to see the change made and posted on website.

Thanks,

[RANGER690]

Don't have a number or name. Call the info line and ask. I have not weighed any of my citations any other place besides my boat. There is a place for a witness signature. Just get whomever is with you to sign it.

To be honest, I don't think it is a high priority for the Game commision. It is like the honor system. As long as they get the $4 to print the certificate, I don't think it is of any concern to them. Since the citation limit is now 30 pounds (up from 20 last year), I would not be surprized that they raised it just to cut down on the influx of citation paperwork.

Trust the guys here. If you have caught a citation, fill out the form and send it in. Nobody wants people letting those big fish die, just to try to find a certified scale at a store that is open. Think of all the fish caught at night all summer long when there is no place to get a certified scale.

Dayton

[Gottheblues]

you don't need to call. just fill the form out and send it in. I've been doing it for clients over the past 8 years and every one of them has received their citation certificate. As long as they get their 4 dollars they are happy.