81lb Bass?

[iamskippy]

Originally Posted by #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&

49" and 82 lbs?? That don't make sense.

either does being 5'8" and 300 pounds but its possible.

[spence]

Originally Posted by piemma

Personally, I believe it's the real deal and the guy has a history of big fish so why would he lie?

Yea, Field and Stream article says he's caught 3 60's in the past year.

-spence

[spence]

Originally Posted by iamskippy

either does being 5'8" and 300 pounds but its possible.

Wow, this thread really is bringing out the worst in people

-spence

[iamskippy]

the fish wa actualy 54" according the FnS article. its a good read, with a nice little play by play.

[iamskippy]

Originally Posted by spence

Wow, this thread really is bringing out the worst in people

-spence

Spence i was actually referring to myself

[numbskull]

The Field and Stream article is quite interesting. Clearly the record fish was well earned. That is nice to see.

[fishbones]

Originally Posted by WoodyCT

Larry-You wouldn't have to do that. You are a known entity whose credibility is above reproach.

When such a prized record falls guys will always cast a suspicious eye, especially when the details are as ... Interesting ...as they are here: 1) The guy won't seek the IGFA record, 2) The fish is short for its weight, 3) The fish is entered in, and will likely win, a major contest, 4) Said contest does not require the fish be cut open to see if it has been loaded, 5) The fish was caught in Connecticut, 6) By a relative unknown...

Being a skeptic does not make one a jealous a$$hole as some would like to believe.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

1) Looks like he is submitting it for the record.

2) How long are all the other 81+ pound fish you've seen?

5) There are plenty of very big fish caught in CT during the summer.

6) The guy has a bunch of 50 pound plus fish to his credit. I'd say he's pretty well known to a lot of striper fishermen.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[Clogston29]

I'm happy for the guy and happy it fell too a real fisherman. I really thought the record would end up going to some guy out drinking beers who decided to throw out a chunk and see what happened - "johny grab the rod" scenario. This guys resume speaks for itself. Would like to see fish examined though, if nothing else to eliminate rumors.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by spence

Yea, Field and Stream article says he's caught 3 60's in the past year.

-spence

Actually, it was four 60s and a 58. And those are just the fish he entered in the Cup. You're only allowed to have your 3 best fish stay on the board. He might have caught others that he either released, or that were entered and displaced. Also, according to the F&S article, he released one that he estimated to be well over 70 a few years back.

F&S appears to have talked to the guy personally (and probably paid for the rights to an "exclusive"), whereas OTW got their info yesterday from a CT beat writer who talked to other "credible sources" who may not have been all that credible. So, I put more stock in today's F&S article. The guy did go to the hospital, that's true, but it wasn't for a panic attack. He apparently took a fall out on the water and hurt his ribs, and went to have them checked out. This is from his own mouth. He left a couple of mob scenes to have a chance to catch his breath. He already stated what tackle he used--a heavy 6-1/2' St Croix tuna rod, a Quantum Cabo reel, and 50# Berkley Gorilla Braid. I fully expect him to submit the paperwork, based on his statement that "he'd be an ass" if he didn't. He didn't have to do that yesterday, and he doesn't have to do that today, or tomorrow or for almost another month. There's nothing more that he has to do.

If the guy fishes from a tin boat, he caught the fish inshore. He's not running out to federal waters south of the Block to poach in the EEZ in a #^&#^&#^&#^&ing tin boat. The redness on the fish is pretty normal. The fish lays in a box, and the blood pools in the low points of the body where it comes into contact with the box. It's what's called post-mortem lividity, and it's perfectly normal---it's not net rash. I have quite a few pictures of bass less than half that size with the same redness. There's nothing suspicious in my mind at this point. OTW did everyone an extreme dis-service yesterday by spreading some wild rumors, IMO.

As far as the 54" thing goes---anyone want to take a stab at the length of McReynolds' fish? I'll save you the trouble of looking it up--it was 53-1/2" long, but it had something like a 35" girth.

[animal]

Well said,Mike.Congrats to the angler!

[CowHunter]

I am willing to bet that the field and stream article was done over the phone. Who took the pics???? Just look at the article, they have GM with what 4-5 different outfits. Im sorry, but no way is a 49-50 inch fish going to be 81.88lbs, if it was it would be wide all the way like a tuna, solid not like that. I spoke with Jim Fee yesterday while he was on the way down to see the fish and havent heard from him since. Why all the quietness. I just dont understand why create controversey? WHO SAW The fish? Leave the fish at a legit tackle shop for a day, Let whoever wants to inspect the fish, rewiegh on a certified scale, do length to girth measurements. Dispell all rumors! Why create problems for yourself? Alot of guys on this board sell fish, Ive had hundreds of pounds of fish with little or no ice for hours in mid summer off gayhead / nomans during the day and they dont look like some of his fish. Why do all the pics of fish look worse than any fish Ive seen in a supermarket??? If he never wanted the publicity then why even wiegh the fish in???
I wish I submitted this 65" fish I got mounted, i just didnt want the publicity...

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by Clogston29

I'm happy for the guy and happy it fell too a real fisherman. I really thought the record would end up going to some guy out drinking beers who decided to throw out a chunk and see what happened - "johny grab the rod" scenario. This guys resume speaks for itself. Would like to see fish examined though, if nothing else to eliminate rumors.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Originally Posted by Mike P

Actually, it was four 60s and a 58. And those are just the fish he entered in the Cup. You're only allowed to have your 3 best fish stay on the board. He might have caught others that he either released, or that were entered and displaced. Also, according to the F&S article, he released one that he estimated to be well over 70 a few years back.

F&S appears to have talked to the guy personally (and probably paid for the rights to an "exclusive"), whereas OTW got their info yesterday from a CT beat writer who talked to other "credible sources" who may not have been all that credible. So, I put more stock in today's F&S article. The guy did go to the hospital, that's true, but it wasn't for a panic attack. He apparently took a fall out on the water and hurt his ribs, and went to have them checked out. This is from his own mouth. He left a couple of mob scenes to have a chance to catch his breath. He already stated what tackle he used--a heavy 6-1/2' St Croix tuna rod, a Quantum Cabo reel, and 50# Berkley Gorilla Braid. I fully expect him to submit the paperwork, based on his statement that "he'd be an ass" if he didn't. He didn't have to do that yesterday, and he doesn't have to do that today, or tomorrow or for almost another month. There's nothing more that he has to do.

If the guy fishes from a tin boat, he caught the fish inshore. He's not running out to federal waters south of the Block to poach in the EEZ in a #^&#^&#^&#^&ing tin boat. The redness on the fish is pretty normal. The fish lays in a box, and the blood pools in the low points of the body where it comes into contact with the box. It's what's called post-mortem lividity, and it's perfectly normal---it's not net rash. I have quite a few pictures of bass less than half that size with the same redness. There's nothing suspicious in my mind at this point. OTW did everyone an extreme dis-service yesterday by spreading some wild rumors, IMO.

As far as the 54" thing goes---anyone want to take a stab at the length of McReynolds' fish? I'll save you the trouble of looking it up--it was 53-1/2" long, but it had something like a 35" girth.

Unless we hear otherwise from legit sources (which I doubt) - not minor pi$$ing contests on the innernets - lets give this guy some credit and props.

He has a history of big catches, he is clearly highly skilled, he knows where and how, and is obviously one of those that have 6th bass sense that people like me only dream of having

Read the F&S article: Exclusive Photos: New Pending World Record Striped Bass! | Field & Stream

[Ryan560]

man looks like someone else could've had this same fish if they didn't get broken off. This bass had 6' of leader and a hook in her from a recent hookup according to the F&S article. What a epic fish and a great story!

[westhavendave]

Originally Posted by CowHunter

I am willing to bet that the field and stream article was done over the phone. Who took the pics???? Just look at the article, they have GM with what 4-5 different outfits. Im sorry, but no way is a 49-50 inch fish going to be 81.88lbs, if it was it would be wide all the way like a tuna, solid not like that. I spoke with Jim Fee yesterday while he was on the way down to see the fish and havent heard from him since. Why all the quietness. I just dont understand why create controversey? WHO SAW The fish? Leave the fish at a legit tackle shop for a day, Let whoever wants to inspect the fish, rewiegh on a certified scale, do length to girth measurements. Dispell all rumors! Why create problems for yourself? Alot of guys on this board sell fish, Ive had hundreds of pounds of fish with little or no ice for hours in mid summer off gayhead / nomans during the day and they dont look like some of his fish. Why do all the pics of fish look worse than any fish Ive seen in a supermarket??? If he never wanted the publicity then why even wiegh the fish in???
I wish I submitted this 65" fish I got mounted, i just didnt want the publicity...

If you are not joking, you are seriously delusional. I don't think Field and Stream would put the magazines reputation on the line by not vetting the veracity of the anglers claim, before they did the article. Go kill some more bass.

[CowHunter]

Originally Posted by westhavendave

If you are not joking, you are seriously delusional. I don't think Field and Stream would put the magazines reputation on the line by not vetting the veracity of the anglers claim, before they did the article. Go kill some more bass.

I did an article for field and stream this year, they wrote what I said...

I, nor a single person I know would even think of questioning Pete Vican's state record 77LBer. The man did it legit 100 percent like anybody I spoke with did. Yes we all wish we caught a slob like that and every single person I know was happy for him.
Guess speaking with good friends that fish the same water as GM have seen his previous fish just adds to suspicion... Why all the controversy on GM??? Every Single person I spoke with thinks this is BS...

[Slipknot]

Originally Posted by CowHunter

I am willing to bet that the field and stream article was done over the phone. Who took the pics???? Just look at the article, they have GM with what 4-5 different outfits. Im sorry, but no way is a 49-50 inch fish going to be 81.88lbs, if it was it would be wide all the way like a tuna, solid not like that. I spoke with Jim Fee yesterday while he was on the way down to see the fish and havent heard from him since. Why all the quietness. I just dont understand why create controversey? WHO SAW The fish? Leave the fish at a legit tackle shop for a day, Let whoever wants to inspect the fish, rewiegh on a certified scale, do length to girth measurements. Dispell all rumors! Why create problems for yourself? Alot of guys on this board sell fish, Ive had hundreds of pounds of fish with little or no ice for hours in mid summer off gayhead / nomans during the day and they dont look like some of his fish. Why do all the pics of fish look worse than any fish Ive seen in a supermarket??? If he never wanted the publicity then why even wiegh the fish in???
I wish I submitted this 65" fish I got mounted, i just didnt want the publicity...

Originally Posted by CowHunter

I did an article for field and stream this year, they wrote what I said...

I, nor a single person I know would even think of questioning Pete Vican's state record 77LBer. The man did it legit 100 percent like anybody I spoke with did. Yes we all wish we caught a slob like that and every single person I know was happy for him.
Guess speaking with good friends that fish the same water as GM have seen his previous fish just adds to suspicion... Why all the controversy on GM??? Every Single person I spoke with thinks this is BS...

Do you think it is BS also?

Nice catch there on that fish.

not everybody is a pro
and also not everyone takes photos that make fish look large

[RIROCKHOUND]

Originally Posted by CowHunter

Ive had hundreds of pounds of fish with little or no ice for hours in mid summer off gayhead / nomans during the day

glad I don't buy bass

[rizzo]

This is the America of today, people believe everything written in magazines and on the internet. Theres discussion how this fish is a super giant, torpedo head, offshore super breed and its only 49"? Oh 54" in the article? Who are you gonna believe? Its all over the top. Oh the guy caught multiple 60s, okay. There was incidents last year about his catches too. With all this going on, he finally had his chance to set everything straight, in person with that fish. Its not about jealousy, its verifying and documenting the catch. In the year 2011 we should be able to better on keeping track of it all.

[CowHunter]

Originally Posted by RIROCKHOUND

glad I don't buy bass

I comm fished in mexico where we spent all day out baking in the sun and through fish on the deck where they sat in that hot sun all day and the fish looked better. How many people fished in the caribean? they ice the fish? they troll em and box em and then we eat cerviche later... Those fish in the markets, especially those from the south are several days or weeks old but we buy em and eat em...

[Stripersurg]

There will always be skeptics in this world, that's just the way it is. Like others have said, the man has a track record of catching fish, some very big ones as well, this isn't his first Rodeo.
As to why he didn't do certain things a certain way, that's irrelevant.
We need to give our fellow fisherman support, and a pat on the back, for achieving what the vast majority of us will never be able to do.
If, and it's a big IF, something was to come of this catch that isn't legal, or suspicious, it will all come out eventually.
For now, though, my hat's off to the guy.

[rizzo]

So did anyone else notice in the field and stream photo gallery - Pic of fish that Ken posted here showing it is 49" with the tape laid flat on the ground. Another picture on field and stream showing the tape at 54" on the tail - showing the tail only. So the measurement is clearly wrong by 5"!!!!

[CowHunter]

Originally Posted by Slipknot

Do you think it is BS also?

Nice catch there on that fish.

not everybody is a pro
and also not everyone takes photos that make fish look large

After seeing the pics on FS I dont believe it for a sec. Im entitled to my opinion and that fish is a big fish, 50-55lbs tops.... Ill give that. EVERYBODY I know who consistantly catch big fish dont believe it. We all want the record to be broken, would be awesome to see! There is no need for photagraphy tricks, etc... There are pictures on FS where the fish is laid out or held against the body where I say no way.... Most guys I know throw a fish on the deck and can guess the wieght, coming within a pound or of the actual wieght. Im guessing alot of guys who thing this fish is 81lbs have not seen many bass and never a 40, 50 or 60 for that matter. Agian just my opinion...

Remember all the controversey on the WR Fluke?? Look, I had friends that saw AL Mcreynolds fish, it was laid out at the tackle shop for all to see... There was no question the size of that fish, none.. Nobody wants to see legitamate record holders cheated, I think thats what most feel....


I guess I am also privy to more info which I cannot post on here... Look back at the posts and look who was the first to say that it was Greg Meyerson?

His actions have not been normal at all through this whole thing and I bet nobody here would have acted the same...

[PaulS]

I was out in that area wens. night and had a big fish break me off. I lost the leader.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by PaulS

I was out in that area wens. night and had a big fish break me off. I lost the leader.

Sea story? Or no sheet?

You should describe the leader / hook to G.M. and see if it looks the same

[Saltheart]

Originally Posted by PaulS

I was out in that area wens. night and had a big fish break me off. I lost the leader.

Originally Posted by JohnR

Sea story? Or no sheet?

You should describe the leader / hook to G.M. and see if it looks the same

Wouldn't that be something! To me , that would be a question worth asking Paul!

[PaulS]

[WoodyCT]

A quick look at a few length - weight charts shows that, based on scientific studies and metrics, that a bass would need to 55" + to be in the 80lb. range.

49-54" bass = 39-73 lbs..

81.88 lbs. of something hung from that scale, and it would put all this speculation to bed if the fish were opened up for inspection.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by CowHunter

After seeing the pics on FS I dont believe it for a sec. Im entitled to my opinion and that fish is a big fish, 50-55lbs tops.... Ill give that. EVERYBODY I know who consistantly catch big fish dont believe it. We all want the record to be broken, would be awesome to see! There is no need for photagraphy tricks, etc... There are pictures on FS where the fish is laid out or held against the body where I say no way.... Most guys I know throw a fish on the deck and can guess the wieght, coming within a pound or of the actual wieght. Im guessing alot of guys who thing this fish is 81lbs have not seen many bass and never a 40, 50 or 60 for that matter. Agian just my opinion...

Remember all the controversey on the WR Fluke?? Look, I had friends that saw AL Mcreynolds fish, it was laid out at the tackle shop for all to see... There was no question the size of that fish, none.. Nobody wants to see legitamate record holders cheated, I think thats what most feel....


I guess I am also privy to more info which I cannot post on here... Look back at the posts and look who was the first to say that it was Greg Meyerson?

His actions have not been normal at all through this whole thing and I bet nobody here would have acted the same...

I hope you realize that by these accusations, you're also accusing Jack Katzenbach, the owner of the weigh station, with being in cahoots with this guy in perpetrating this hoax, and possibly for attesting to all of his "questionable" fish. You're saying none of his fish, for which weigh slips were submitted in a major tournament, are legit, so you're saying that one or more weighmasters are committing fraud in cahoots with a cheating angler.

Those are pretty strong accusations, Kenny. I hope for your sake, and the sake of your reputation in the angling world, you're in a position to back them up with proof.

[GattaFish]

Congrats on a nice fish.....

WR.. Just not feeling it.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[CowHunter]

Originally Posted by Mike P

I hope you realize that by these accusations, you're also accusing Jack Katzenbach, the owner of the weigh station, with being in cahoots with this guy in perpetrating this hoax, and possibly for attesting to all of his "questionable" fish. You're saying none of his fish, for which weigh slips were submitted in a major tournament, are legit, so you're saying that one or more weighmasters are committing fraud in cahoots with a cheating angler.

Those are pretty strong accusations, Kenny. I hope for your sake, and the sake of your reputation in the angling world, you're in a position to back them up with proof.

I caught enough fish to know bs, Yeah never a 70 or 80, but that aint 80, ill bet my life on it common, are we insane here!!!!!!! you seriously believe it? I was out to dinner with my buddy who's 8 -11 year old kids that caught 40's looked at that fish and said it was bull#^&#^&#^&#^&... feel free to call me Mike 201 412-5783.. I dont have to hide behind the computer, he fed up by submitting those pics to FS it doesnt add up.. 49-50 inch no girth, no shoulders and its 81.88!!! 80 percent of the people on the barn are calling it BS, 100 percent of my friends are...