So, you’re out fishing, and you spend 20 minutes reeling in a big one…and it is REALLY big. Now, what do you do? Montana FWP has some info below for you: (2016 Smallmouth Bass pictured) I caught a record-breaker! What now? To prevent loss of weight, do not clean or freeze the fish. Keep the fish cool—preferably on ice. Take a picture of the fish. Weigh the fish on a certified scale (found in grocery store or hardware store, etc.), witnessed by a store employee or other observer. Obtain a weight receipt and an affidavit from the store personnel if no FWP official is present. Measure the length and girth. Contact the nearest FWP office to have the fish positively identified by a Fisheries Biologist or Manager. Fill out the Fish Record Form 25 KB and send it to: Beth Giddings Fisheries Division Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks PO Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701
For Montana Fish Records, CLICK HERE. To view the girth and bait tackle columns, please download the Montana Fish Records 87 KB. For more information contact the FWP Fisheries Division at: (406) 444-7815 or e-mail Beth Giddings The * denotes Montana native fish. (information provided by Montana FWP)