In the event you catch a lake record, what's the process for documenting it properly for the record books? Is there an information source on this topic floating around on the internet?

Thanks!

PW

Nevermind, here's the info:

How To Participate


(1) Be prepared.
Review the program rules, check the current records, and secure an official Application Form. (PDF 126.2 KB)
Locate scales before the trip, especially for larger species of fish. A partial list of certified scales is available on this website.

(2) Catch your trophy!

(3) Measure the fish.

(4) Take several photos.
Photos are required for Catch and Release Record, State Record by Weight, and Water Body Record applications. The program is happy to receive photos of other outstanding catches. Photos submitted with applications become the property of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Yours may be chosen for display on the Angler Recognition website and at TPWD locations and events.
If weight is required for your award category, weigh the fish on certifiable or legal-for-trade scales within three days of the catch date. If the scale is not currently certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) or a commercial scales calibration company, the applicant will have 30 days from the weigh date to have the scale certified.

(5) Complete the Angler Recognition Award application and submit within 60 days of the catch date. Applications for State Catch and Release Records and State Records by weight require the signature of a notary public. The 60-day limit will be waived for catches recognized as world records by the IGFA.
Allow 6 to 8 weeks to receive your certificate.

General Rules for All Award Categories

(1) The fish must be landed in Texas waters.

(2) An Angler Recognition Award Aplication form (PWD BR T3200-349B) completed by the angler must be received by TPWD within 60 days of the date of catch. The 60-day limit will be waived for catches recognized as world records by the International Game Fish Association.

(3) The fish must be caught while obeying all laws or regulations governing the fish species and the waters in which it was caught. Check license requirements and fishing regulations in the TPWD Outdoor Annual before going fishing.

(4) Only one person may catch the fish (except for netting or gaffing the fish to bring it into the boat or onto shore).
The fish must not have contained anything (including electronics or other tagging devices) to assist in locating the fish.
Deliberate falsification of any application will result in disqualification. All existing records will be removed and future applications from the angler will not be considered.
TPWD reserves the right to review, investigate, reject, disqualify, or accept any application submitted or any award granted. In case of disputes, the decision of the Angler Recognition Awards Program Committee will be final.

Link: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/programs/fishrecords/rules/

PW,

I strongly suggest that you get your own certified scale. Having to rely on someone elses certified scale can be a real problem.

My certified scales have officially weighed 5 record fish. I cannot imagine the problems we would have had if we would have had to seek out a certified scale at those times.

You wont regret having your own certified scale.

Jason, do you use the Ruben Heatons and in what weight capacity?

I am definitely getting a certified scale this spring...

What brand / model of scale do you use?

I have Rueben Heatons.

Rather than buying a 60 X 2 and a 120 X 4 I recommend buying just one of these in 120 X 2; http://www.bigcarptackle.com/store/product.php?productid=17484&cat=376&page=1

Ah, great minds think alike! That is the one I plan on ordering! You have to send it away for the certification correct?

You will not be able to send it to the IGFA for certification because the IGFA does not certify scales over 100 lbs. I know this seems weird because of all of the salt water species the are over 100 lbs but the IGFA is quick to let you know that they are not "scale certification central." Scale certification is just a small service that they offer for their members. They accept scale certifications from any firm that is certified to certify scales.

My 120 X 4 was certified by Bastrop Scales just south of Austin. I am sure that you can ship it to them and have them ship it back. Krista knows of one such place in Tyler. I have yet to find one in Dallas but I hope someone stumbles across one soon.

id be willing to hook up with someone thats near basdrop and we could get our scales certified?

i have a sales rep from nichols scale in dallas checking on this...i'm supposed to call him back tomorrow.....he says they certify meat & produce scales for the state....but will be checking with TP&W for fish certification.....just a shot!

Hehe, already looking to catch a lake record, huh?

There are quite a bit of places that do scale calibration in DFW so no need to send off to Bastrop. I'll get the name and number tomorrow but the same place that certifies our gauges for backflow testing also certifies scales for most of the marinas around here

yeah or the US buru of weights and measures. you get a fancy gold seal with date stamp letting you know how long the cert is good for kinda like a vehicle registration sticker.

Also, even if you have some way of keeping a live fish (such as a stock tank or something like that) get to a certified scale AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

A guy a few months ago here in my area caught what he hoped was a state record flathead, but by the time he could get to a certified scale, which was two days later, the fish had lost several pounds in a holding tank and just missed the record.
http://www.prairiestateoutdoors.com/index.php?/pso/article/sangchris_yields_monster_flathead/