I seen a pic of an 82# flathead today

[slimdaddy]

Went to visit an old neighbor today that I havnt seen in 17 yrs we got to talking about fishing so he goes and gets his pics of the fish he has caught in his pics from last year was 82#flathead along with a 73,66 and lots of 40-50 .s he has caught out of the ohio river I told him that the 82 was a state record he yea I know but you have to freeze them and all that he told that he wasnt about to kill it he cpr's all his fish all these fish was caught around galiopolis so that record is still swimming and by the looks of the pic he showed me it was a hog and did weigh that

[Smoothkip]

That's a stud! I believe there are still a lot of fish out there that size. One day ill have a pic of me holding one! Lol

[Smoothkip]

Also let your friend know that me and a lot of catfisherman really appreciate the catch and release effort!

[Catfishrollo]

Thats awesome man! Even better that he released it. No doubt there are some big boys in that river! Thanks for sharing man... rollo

[slimdaddy]

Thanks guys when the river gets in decent shape he wants me to come down and fish with him he's gonna show me his spots so I may have to get sick to get a weekend off work so I can go fish with him and his 85 yr old dad thats got more energy than most 50yr olds lol I need to catch a biggun been to many years since I caught anything over 30 #'s

[Smoothkip]

Well if you can't make it slim I'm a phone call away! Lol

[luckeywade]

thats cool thanks for sharing the story could have made alot of fish sticks with that .lol

[rockbass]

Wow that's an amazing fish! It's always funny to me when I hear people talk like they know there aren't fish that big in Ohio. It's amazing how many 60 lb plus fish are caught that don't make it all over the fishing forums. Sounds like an awesome catter for sure!

[gryan1966]

I know it says that it must be frozen but I think I read somewhere that you do not have to do that anymore. Granted its a pain to do it which is probably why its not done that much. What I dont understand is after reading the rules it does not state when it should be frozen i.e. if alive you weigh it and its whatever pounds after you freeze it would weigh more wouldnt it therefore invalidating the weight?

Regardless great catch and great release.

Here is the rules from ODNR site with the point of contact.
Read These Rules:
*All record fish are to be examined by an Ohio *Violation of any of these rules will lead to
Division of Wildlife fisheries biologist to determine invalidation.
correct species. *Fish submitted for state record certification
*Fish taken from pay lakes are ineligible. must be taken in a sportsmanlike manner. The
*Fish must be weighed on certified scales. Enclose committee will review all facts, decisions by
copy of county auditor's certification with application. the committee are final.
*If weighed on digital scale, enclose scale print-out.
*Weighing of fish must be witnessed by 2 persons. Make copies and mail application and photo
*Close-up photo of fish must accompany application. within six months of catch to:
*Fish must be kept frozen intact until certified, as OWO
reserves the right to examine it. Tom Cross, Chairman
*All fish must be legally taken. State Record Fish Committee, Outdoor Writers of Ohio
*Total length measured in straight line from tip of snout 1497 Cross Rd., Winchester, OH 45697
to farthest tip of tail, with fish laid flat, mouth closed. Phone/fax [phone]
*Girth to be measured at thickest point. www.outdoorwritersofohio.org

[Seanstone]

I know it says that it must be frozen but I think I read somewhere that you do not have to do that anymore. Granted its a pain to do it which is probably why its not done that much. What I don't understand is after reading the rules it does not state when it should be frozen i.e. if alive you weigh it and its whatever pounds after you freeze it would weigh more wouldn't it therefore invalidating the weight?

Regardless great catch and great release.

Here is the rules from ODNR site with the point of contact.
Read These Rules:
*All record fish are to be examined by an Ohio *Violation of any of these rules will lead to
Division of Wildlife fisheries biologist to determine invalidation.
correct species. *Fish submitted for state record certification
*Fish taken from pay lakes are ineligible. must be taken in a sportsmanlike manner. The
*Fish must be weighed on certified scales. Enclose committee will review all facts, decisions by
copy of county auditor's certification with application. the committee are final.
*If weighed on digital scale, enclose scale print-out.
*Weighing of fish must be witnessed by 2 persons. Make copies and mail application and photo
*Close-up photo of fish must accompany application. within six months of catch to:
*Fish must be kept frozen intact until certified, as OWO
reserves the right to examine it. Tom Cross, Chairman
*All fish must be legally taken. State Record Fish Committee, Outdoor Writers of Ohio
*Total length measured in straight line from tip of snout 1497 Cross Rd., Winchester, OH 45697
to farthest tip of tail, with fish laid flat, mouth closed. Phone/fax [phone]
*Girth to be measured at thickest point. www.outdoorwritersofohio.org

Your right a catch and release record is possible but there is a few rings of fire to jump through. I'm no expert on the matter, but I think the biggest obstacle is getting a fish and wildlife biologist to certify the species and witness the weighing of the fish. Other than that you need to get it weighed on a certified scale and fill out the appropriate paper work. Like I said I am no expert, but if your interested Robby he seems to know more about it than I do. Good luck getting a hold of anybody from the outdoors writers association, I have written two emails and sent one letter. It's slightly irritating but if they want accurate records they will have to provide guidelines for such catch and release records. Great post.