IGFA Receives Documentation

SuperUser Account — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:28:08 GMT

DANIA BEACH, Fla. USA, (September 15, 2009) --- Documentation for a much talked about 22 lb 4 oz largemouth bass, caught from Japan’s largest lake in July, has arrived into the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) headquarters for world record recognition. IGFA recently received documentation on this potential world-record largemouth bass caught on Japan's largest lake. The fish reportedly weighed 22 lbs, 4ozs, and measured 27.2 inches long with a girth of 26.77 inches. Late Monday, the IGFA, the 70-year old non-profit fisheries conservation, education and record-keeping body, received the application for the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), caught July 2, by Manabu Kurita, 32, of Aichi, Japan. IGFA rules for fish caught outside the U.S. allows anglers 90 days to submit their applications from the date of their catch. IGFA conservation director Jason Schratwieser said the World All-Tackle application is currently under review after it was received through the Japan Game Fish Association (JGFA). Schratwieser said the application stated the bass weighed 10.12 kg (22 lbs 4 ozs) and was pulled from Lake Biwa an ancient reservoir northeast of Kyoto. Photos and video were also submitted with the written documentation. Kurita’s fish would tie the current record held for over 77 years by George Perry caught on Georgia’s Montgomery Lake, June 2, 1932, near Jacksonville, Georgia. In North America, the largemouth bass, and especially the All-Tackle record, is considered by millions of anglers as the “holy grail” of freshwater fish because of its popularity and the longevity of Perry’s record. Largemouth bass have also been introduced in many countries and in Japan fisheries officials consider it an invasive species. In addition, because bass are not native and are stocked in Japan, many speculated that the big bass was a sterile triploid. However when biologists in Japan examined the ova of the big female they concluded that the fish was not triploid. IGFA World Records Coordinator Becky Wright reported Kurita’s fish measured 27.20 inches in length and an almost equal girth of 26.77 inches. She said Kurita was using a blue gill as live bait trolling through a canal. A decision by the IGFA of whether Kurita’s fish will tie Perry’s record may take up to a month. “We have a formal relationship with our sister organization, the Japan Game Fish Association where they first collect and review record applications for fish caught in Japan,” said Schratwieser. “It works out well because they not only translate applications but can also contact the angler if more documentation is needed. “We still have a number of questions to ask them and Kurita regarding local laws and the area he caught it in while he was trolling through a canal on the lake,” said Schratwieser. “We hope to make an announcement in three to four weeks.” Annually the IGFA publishes a comprehensive list of current records on nearly 1100 species of fresh and saltwater fish across the globe in its highly acclaimed World Record Game Fishes (WRGF) book which is divided into all-tackle, line classes, fly, and junior record categories. The IGFA has been recognized as the official keeper of world saltwater fishing records since its founding in 1939. In 1978 it added the field of freshwater record-keeping when Field & Stream magazine transferred its 68 years of records to the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, the association’s world headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla. The IGFA website is www.igfa.org.

Outstanding Catch: August 2009

SuperUser Account — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:32:34 GMT

The NAFC staff has carefully chosen 10 finalists for the August Outstanding Catch Awards contest. Now it's up to you! Vote for the catch you feel is the most outstanding, considering not only the fish's size, but also the body of water, geographic location and method used.Review the finalists below and consider their photos (click on the thumbnail to enlarge), and then cast your vote below. Also, one random voter will be selected to win a prize, so please submit your name and e-mail address below when you vote for your favorite outstanding catch.Enter your own photo for the next Outstanding Catch contest, and see past winners. Dominic L. Kalli 22 4/8-inch largemouth bass Hartland Commons, N.J. Homemade 4" purple senko; wacky riggedCody O'Keefe 25-inch largemouth bass Neighborhood pond, Minn. Top water brokeback Rapala; slowly retrieved twitched every few secondsBronson Anderson 23-inch black bass California Delta, Calif. Snag-Proof Bobby's Perfect Frog; top water John McDow 84-inch black tip shark Atlantic Ocean, N.C. Menhaden; kayak fishing with light tackle 12# testJustin Severin 49 4/8-inch flathead catfish Minnesota River, Minn. Cut sucker; shore fishingHunter Trimble 37 1/8-inch red drum Gulf of Mexico, Fla. Live bait; Spinn reel Bill Hegyi 36-inch lake trout Lake Michigan, Wisc. 3/4 Oz. K/O Wobbler; casting, night fishingJim Cressey 49-inch striped bass Atlantic Ocean, Maine Live Pogie; live baitSteve Winslow 27 2/8-inch walleye Eagle Lake, Ontario Savage R Alien Eel; casting, top water Ted Pennekamp 52-inch musky Flambeau River, Wisc. Moulder's Topper Stopper; drifting down the Flambeau River and casting

North American Hunter-TV

SuperUser Account — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:09:33 GMT

Attention NAHC Members North American Hunter television show, which airs exclusively Versus, may not be available to those who subscribe to DirecTV for a period of days or weeks due to a dispute between the network and DirecTV. We are hopeful that this dispute will be resolved quickly and DirecTV will put VERSUS back on the air so NAHC members and others who subscribe to DirecTV can continue to enjoy North American Hunter. In the meantime, we urge you to call 1-800-642-1923 to request that DirecTV puts VERSUS back on or visit VERSUS.com for more information about how to switch to another video provider; all of which carry VERSUS.Steve Pennaz NAHC Television Department

Partnership For Sustainable Oceans

SuperUser Account — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:56:28 GMT

The Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) calls on Northern California recreational fishermen and boaters to participate in an important survey to determine where recreational anglers fish along the north coast of California . This survey, conducted on behalf of the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative (MLPAI), is designed to provide vital information for the implementation of the MLPA in the North Coast Study Region. The study region covers from Alder Creek (near Point Arena) north to the Oregon border. To register for the survey, visit www.ecotrust.org/mlpa/interviewsignup. Anglers may also contact Jon Bonkoski at (503) 807-1660. Following registration, anglers will be sent an email with a link to the online survey once it is ready or will be contacted by phone to set up an interview. The purpose of the survey is to incorporate recreational fishermen’s knowledge into the deliberations of the Regional Stakeholder Group in the MLPA North Coast Study Region, develop accurate maps of the local recreational fishing grounds and characterize their relative importance to recreational fishermen. The information will assist the local fishermen on the Regional Stakeholder Group in protecting recreational fishing access in the most important areas.While completion of the survey is an investment of time, the results are vital in the effort to preserve fishermen’s access to public coastal waters.The survey may be completed either online or in-person interviews, but anglers must first register online. The PSO urges anglers to take advantage of in-person interviews.Individual responses from participants will remain anonymous and confidential. Only the collective data will be shared with the members of the Regional Stakeholder Group.For frequent updates about the PSO’s efforts on behalf of recreational fishermen within the MLPA process, please visit www.keepamericafishing.org.

2009 ICAST Video

SuperUser Account — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:10:39 GMT

ICAST––fishing’s annual industry show––is all about the latest and greatest innovations. If you want to win best of show at this show, you’ve got to knock the socks off a group of people who see cool new products all the time: editors and writers. Watch these videos showcasing many of the best new fishing products hitting the market:Fishouflage: Camo For FishermenLowrance: Structure ScanLindy: Thill Lighted Bobber And Exchange SystemNorthland Tackle: Hexi Fly And Macho MinnowRapala: New Products For 2010Berkley: New Gulp!Berkley: Gulp! Bio DipPlano Liquid Tackle LockersNew Abu Garcia ReelsYeti Coolers Rapala Clackin' RapBerkley Trilene TransOpticMinnKota i-PilotStren 100% FluorocarbonHobie Mirage Pro Angler Frabill Snosuit Fintech TS Monster JigShimano Award-Winning ReelPflueger Arbor ReelNorthland Tackle Booby TrapWiley X New ProductsSpiderWire New Lines Lindy DarterSea Eagle Inflatable Boats

Outstanding Catch: July 2009

SuperUser Account — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:11:45 GMT

The NAFC staff has carefully chosen 10 finalists for the July Outstanding Catch Awards contest. Now it's up to you! Vote for the catch you feel is the most outstanding, considering not only the fish's size, but also the body of water, geographic location and method used.Review the finalists below and consider their photos (click on the thumbnail to enlarge), and then cast your vote below. Also, one random voter will be selected to win a prize, so please submit your name and e-mail address below when you vote for your favorite outstanding catch.Click here to enter your own photo for the next Outstanding Catch contest, and click here to see past winners. Nong Vang 24-inch largemouth bass delta, Calif. Sweet beaverDennis Musgraves 43-inch chinook salmon Sheep Creek, Alaska Blue Fox Spinner No. 6Peter Baldwin 44-inch northern pike Cedar Lake, Manitoba Suick Musky Thriller Bobby Ingram 36-inch red drum West Galveston Bay, Texas MulletSteven Kohl 45 4/8-inch musky Pike Chain, Wisc. Bull DawgJeff Taluban 28-inch bass Clear Lake, Calif. Bronze eye frog Johnny Bennett 35 4/8-inch chinook salmon Salmon River, Idaho Steelhead egg ballPeter Olson 22 4/8-inch smallmouth bass Wisconsin River, Wisc. Floating Rapala Nick Bergeron 43-inch flathead catfish Chippewa River, Wisc. Live Sucker MinnowForrest Evans 21 4/8-inch largemouth bass small pond, Pa. Bass Pro Stick-O

Bill Siementel Inducted Into Hall Of Fame

SuperUser Account — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:20:54 GMT

ICAST––running in Orlando this week––is fishing’s annual coming-out party, showcasing the latest, greatest and newest innovations. But on Wednesday, the spotlight shined on someone who is anything but new to the sport. NAFC Member Bill Siementel was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame on Wednesday at ICAST.“Bill was voted into the Hall in an overwhelming vote,” said Emmett Brown, Director of the Hall of Fame. “He is a tremendous teacher, the most ethical fisherman you could ask for, and it also helps that he catches huge bass.”In fact, he’s caught more than 500 largemouth bass weighing 10 pounds or more, and has been one of the most innovative fishermen in recent decades. From his home base of California, Bill has accomplished a host of achievements far too numerous to list. Most recently, he’s enjoyed creating his newest project, the highly discussed “BBZ Zone."NAFC Executive Director Steve Pennaz was among the crowd who gathered at the ceremony on Wednesday, which took place at 5 p.m. at Spro’s booth at ICAST.“I’ve been very fortunate to have the chance to fish with Bill,” Pennaz said. “He and I have also spent a lot of time talking about new ways and ideas to catch fish. He’s taught me a tremendous amount.”At the ceremony, Siementel thanked a variety of people, including Al Lindner and Mike Jones, all of whom were instrumental in his success.In the end, Emmett Brown summed it up best as he awarded Siementel with a Hall of Fame plaque.“As a member of the Hall of Fame now, you’re in elite company, Bill,” he said. “And you deserve it. Congratulations.”

July - August - September Web Links

SuperUser Account — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:54:10 GMT

Sporting Vehicles - Truck Bedliners DualLiner Truck Bed Protection System: http://www.dualliner.com/ BedRug: http://www.bedrug.com/ Rhino spray-on bedliners: http://www.rhinolinings.com/ Line-X spray-on bedliners: http://www.linex.com/New Products Quantum Response spinning reels: http://www.quantumfishing.com/prod_pages/ResponseSP.htm St. Croix Mojo Bass rods: http://www.stcroixrods.com/rods/default2.asp?rodname=83 Team Catfish Sinker Bumperz: http://www.teamcatfish.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=315 Berkley PowerBait Chigger Craw: http://www.berkley-fishing.com/cat.php?k=133553&sk=95804 Humminbird AS GRHA GPS receiver: http://store.humminbird.com/humminbird-products/accessories/system-modules/as-grha/prod407500-1.html

Guess The Lake, Win The Map!

SuperUser Account — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:34:24 GMT

Do you recognize the lake featured in "Monster Summer Blue Cats," on pages 42 and 43 of the July/August/September issue of North American Fisherman? Guess right and you could win the actual Navionics HotMaps Premium map that guide Cody Mullennix marked for the article. Please e-mail your guess to insideline@namginc.com. Also, please do NOT post the name of the lake as a comment on this article page. Thanks!

North American Fishing Club