I've always been of the mind that the biggest fish goes by weight. I mean, a 43" fish could weigh several pounds more than a 45" fish and you always hear big fish described by weight.
But, I don't think its practical in a scattered, catch 'n release tournament.
I think by combining weigh slips for kept fish and board member witnessed C&R'd fish we inherit a little bit of "controversy"...
For example, my fish last year clearly was bigger than Slip's "lunker" (I use the term loosely), but the rules stated length. You never heard me complain that I caught the better quality fish and got shafted by the fine print. Its good enough for me to know that my fish was superior as are my fishing skills. Slip knows the truth, I know the truth, that's enough for me. Just like we all know the Patriots weren't the best team in the NFL this year. Injustice happens from time to time.
Going by length would seem to be the best solution.
I hope everyone takes this as intended...
