I am good with most of that, but I really wish we would solve the whole issue by eliminating the entire LAKE RECORD process. No need then to be concerned about it and just put the fish back. Process doesn't work to begin with because you still have to ACCURATELY weigh a fish on a scale no matter if it is certified or not to get the true weight. I can bounce a certified scale and get a pic of it with no issues. Catch the fish, enjoy it, put it back.

I can guarantee that in most cases, larger fish have been caught that were bigger than the current records. What does it prove? I do not carry scales large enough to weigh a lot of fish, but it really is OK cause I get nothing for it.

Not trying to start an argument, just curious what it matters. Most fish dubbed as lake records end up dead in the end becuase of the efforts to find out if it is a record. At the moment, I think you get a certificate. It really says that i was willing to go through effort to get paperwork. Maybe for a kid or something, but I think the photo is worth way more than a certificate.