State record fish honors are up for grabs in three catch-and-release categories newly created by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Minnesota recognizes catch-and-release fishing with new state record format
Change is response to fishing option; the traditional program is to remain unchanged.
April 20, 2016 at 1:28AM
The DNR's Mike Kurre said the records are there for the taking by the first anglers who document an eligible catch of a muskie, lake sturgeon or flathead catfish. The minimum starting points for the catch-and-release recognition program are 50 inches long for a muskie, 55 inches long for a sturgeon and 35 inches long for a flathead catfish.
"I think this is going to catch on pretty quick," said Kurre, mentoring program coordinator with the agency. "It's another way to promote the big fish we have in this state."
The DNR isn't abandoning its traditional state record fish program that relies on catching, keeping and obtaining a certified weight measurement. The agency will continue to accept those traditional entries and publish the names of all the record holders, including catch-and-release leaders.
The new records recognize the increasing popularity of catch-and-release fishing, especially among muskie anglers. The state's lack of catch-and-release record keeping became apparent last fall when two monster muskies were caught in separate outings on Lake Mille Lacs. The "Queen of Mille Lacs" muskie caught by Dominic Hoyos of Stillwater was a likely state record, if not a world record, but he quickly released it after measuring it at 55 inches long, with a 30-inch girth.
Robert Hawkins, owner of Bob Mitchell's Fly Shop in Lake Elmo, also made history on Mille Lacs last year without achieving a state record. He caught and released a 57-inch muskie, thinner than the "Queen," but on a fly rod. He later was able to gain world record status for a muskie caught on a fly rod by making application to the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, Wis.
"State records for sturgeon, flathead catfish or muskies can now be set without harvesting the fish," Kurre said. State catch-and-release records for other species — also measured by length — will be added in the future, he said.
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None of the boat’s occupants, two adults and two juveniles, were wearing life jackets, officials said.
