An entire new records category for anglers this season

Efforts should protect habitat

A bevy of state fish records are expected this year in Wisconsin.

It’s not because of any anticipated spike in fish growth rates or angler expertise, although both could occur.

Instead it’s due to a new records category being kept by the Department of Natural Resources.

Beginning Saturday, fish caught in Badger State waters may be entered in a Live Release program.

The new program is part of a larger effort to promote quality fishing and encourage the careful release of trophysized sport species, according to the DNR.

Similar efforts have proven popular in other states and are offered by the International Game Fish Association and other record-keeping organizations.

“As anglers, part of what we enjoy is the thrill of the unknown, the thought that the fish on the end of our lines could be a trophy catch or even a new record,” said Justine Hasz, DNR fisheries bureau director. “Our new catch-and-release record option means Wisconsin’s legendary fish will create even more memories.”

It takes many Wisconsin fish species 10 or more years of growth to reach trophy sizes. Since angling pressure is high on most state waters, encouraging catch-and-release is critical to allow fish a chance to reach older ages and potential state record proportions.

Hasz said the program is expected to increase public awareness and encourage protection of fisheries habitat. The agency hopes efforts to market the new program will draw more non-resident anglers into the state and improve retention among anglers who participate only sporadically.

The program uses a “catch, photograph and release” format. It will go live Saturday, opening day of the 2017 inland fishing season.

Key rules are:

After landing the fish, take clear, color, side view photographs. Take several photos from different angles.

One photo must clearly show the fish lying on its side with a ruler or other measuring device placed beside the fish with the length number clearly visible. Get close enough so that the image fills the frame. Another photo must show the angler with the fish.

While it’s desirable to have witnesses to the capture of live release fish entries, the program is honor-based and witnesses are not mandatory. Fish survival is the highest priority.

Fish must be caught by legal angling methods and released in good condition back into the same water.

Anglers are encouraged to keep the fish in the water as much as possible prior to the release. Do not hang the fish on a stringer. Gently place it back in the water and revive it by holding it upright in the water and moving it back and forth to forcing water through its gills.

Live release records will be recognized by length only.

Fish records will be determined by total length measured to the nearest 1/4 inch and to be certified, new live release records must exceed the existing record by at least 1/4 inch.

Minimum qualifying lengths have been established for 32 species. They include 23 inches for largemouth bass, 22 inches for smallmouth bass, 52 inches for muskellunge, 13 inches for yellow perch, 10 inches for bluegill and 30 inches for walleye.

Applications are available by visiting DNR.wi.gov and searching “Live Release.”