I submitted my crappie for a CR water body record. I had it right at 16 inches without the tail pinched. However TPWD accepted it at 15.

Guess I screwed up the picture but I'm not sure how.

I certainly could have got some better photos but I had no intention of submitting it until I saw the slot was actually open.

Thoughts?

PS the fish was only stringers for a little while tell my buddy could come take a picture of it with me. Released alive and well. It was 2.45lbs on my buds uncertified but accurate hand scale.

It's certainly not a big deal I'm just curious for next time.

Love seeing Dan posting in all the sections.

BAF will be along to opine. He has more records than anyone I know and has helped many people (including me) get their fish submitted.

Thanks Drew!

One friend suggested I mark my hawg trough with a sharpie at each 1/4 inch.

That's a good tip. Even though I see that fish at 16 in the pic lol.

I'll go catch her again is all

The mouth has to be closed. That can add over 1/2 inch.

Great fish

Thanks!

Mouth open I think that fish still goes 16. Mouth closed, tail pinched it's easy over 16.

It was a solid fish! I've caught longer crappie but they were thin, this guy had shoulders lol. Caught on a crank while bass fishing.

No question a great fish and a big fish award. Over 2.4 lbs. too!!!

Nice fish and Congratulations on your RECORD!



Side Note: I also had a fish several years ago that had been knocked down an inch for a catch & Release record.I also got the C&R record for that fish. My photo was not all that good and the measuring tape was kind of bent. I also just shrugged it off and told myself that I would catch a bigger fish. I have not caught one bigger since on that water body. I do know that Parks&Wildlife like good photos that clearly show the lengths as well as the girths of the fish that are submitted. I have no complaints. The Angler Recognition Program is one SUPER program.

Good points banker! Next time I'll just get better and more pics.

I know there are bigger ones out there! Almost sure I can break my own record in 17.

I got it!

So when I caught this fish I was not thinking about submitting it, that was kind of an after thought.

But from the TPWD website-

"Take clear, color, side view photographs from several different angles. One must clearly show the fish lying on its side with a ruler or other measuring device placed beside the fish. Another photo must show the angler with the fish."

I just needed more photos I only had the one posted here and one of me holding it. Now I know

Record or not that is one nice slab. Congratulations on your record fish.