Anyone see this?

IMHO, I think an oversize sturgeon should count for points in AOTY. If you are able to subdue it, measure it and release it... that takes some kind of skill, no?
It's not illegal to hook and release these fish, is it?
I'd hate to hook an oversize on a snotty day!

I can't condone handling a fish that large for any length of time just to get a few extra points.

The law, apparently, is that it is not to be removed from the water, and, obviously, most of us would want to gently unhook and release this thing as carefully and quickly as possible.  That's why, since it's legal to catch and release it while trying for a fish in the slot limit, I think you should get credit for top slot (64"?) length.  That way there's no 'condoning' anything but a release of an obviously oversized fish, while giving some kind of credit for the fact that the angler successfully caught it.  For, how is it worth more credit and how did it take any more skill (LESS I say) to land a smaller fish that would be in the slot?

Just food for thought - I doubt I'll make it sturgeon fishing...

I'd just like to add - there was a line by the DFG guy in the newspaper article that stated clearly that it is NOT illegal to remove a fish from the water for a photo. I think most anglers would do what it took to get a quick pic and release the fish just as Brent did with this big boy. Tom

I appreciate that clarification, Tom.  I do think there are some fisheries where it's illegal to remove the fish from the water, but it's obviously a very gray area and must go along with some kind of judgment of what's practical when it comes to releasing a fish.

The law, apparently, is that it is not to be removed from the water, and, obviously, most of us would want to gently unhook and release this thing as carefully and quickly as possible.  That's why, since it's legal to catch and release it while trying for a fish in the slot limit, I think you should get credit for top slot (64"?) length.  That way there's no 'condoning' anything but a release of an obviously oversized fish, while giving some kind of credit for the fact that the angler successfully caught it.  For, how is it worth more credit and how did it take any more skill (LESS I say) to land a smaller fish that would be in the slot?

Just food for thought - I doubt I'll make it sturgeon fishing...

I don't see anywhere in the AOTY rules where there is any maximum or minimum size for a fish, as long as it is caught legally. As stated, a 17" striped bass could possibly win that AOTY category. I supposed the AOTY rules need to be fleshed out more in the future.

Its a nightmare to measure a big sturg in the water, they give up and sink. I thought this was a legal, but this was a 6 1/2 or 7 footer, released VERY unharmed, however, if it was hoisted over the side of a bigger boat, I would think the weight of it would have caused some harm getting dragged over the rail... maybe, maybe not, their tough...who knows.
My 2 cents.

I don't see anywhere in the AOTY rules where there is any maximum or minimum size for a fish

I'm pretty sure that rule #6 addresses the issue!

Michael

Its a nightmare to measure a big sturg in the water, they give up and sink. I thought this was a legal, but this was a 6 1/2 or 7 footer, released VERY unharmed, however, if it was hoisted over the side of a bigger boat, I would think the weight of it would have caused some harm getting dragged over the rail... maybe, maybe not, their tough...who knows.
My 2 cents.

That's how to pic&release it!   GuitarzanStyle! 

You're absolutely right, Michael. That just goes to show that two eyes are better than one...or...it doesn't hurt to read the rules at a more leisurely pace.

Howard