YakAngler.com Length Record Rules

Click here for the Length Record Form

General Information

All fish entered for Length Records must be measured by kayak anglers at the site of capture and released so that it swims away on their own and in good condition (unless the fish is considered to be invasive and the angler is required to remove the fish from the environment). Fish should be revived by moving it forward in the water to ensure a healthy release.

All YakAngler rules and equipment regulations stipulated for fishing with conventional and fly tackle in fresh and saltwater shall apply with the exceptions below. All angling and equipment regulations shall apply until the fish is measured and released alive.

A.  GAFFS & NETS

1. The use of gaffs to land fish is prohibited.
2. Nets used to boat or land a fish must not exceed 8 feet (2.44 meters) in over all length.
3. The use of knotless, rubber coated nets or other similarly designed nets that minimize slime and scale removal is strongly recommended.

B. MEASURING DEVICE
 1. All fish must be measured using a commercially available measuring device like the haw trough. For fish over 30 inches in length will be judged on an individual basis, please try to use a tape measure or the side of your kayak so we can accurately judge the size.

Angling Regulations

The following acts will disqualify a catch:

1. Failure to comply with any of the rules herein.
2. If the fish is not caught from a kayak or while wading with the kayak to the angler.
3. If the fish dies during the documentation process, or does not swim away on its accord after release.

Length Record Requirements

A.  MEASURING REQUIREMENTS

1. Fish under 30 inches must be measured using an commercially available measuring device on a flat surface. Fish over 30 inches will be judged on an individual basis, please try to use a tape measure or the side of your kayak so we can accurately judge the size.
2. Under 30 inches the fish’s snout must be touching the nose stop. Fish over 30 inches will be judged on an individual basis, please try to use a tape measure or the side of your kayak so we can accuratly judge the size.
3. With the fish lying on top of the measuring device, measurements will be taken from the lower jaw to a natural un-pinched fork in the tail (Fork Length). See diagram below.
4. Fish that measure between increments shall be recorded at the lower of the two increments.  For example, a fish that measures between 45.5  and 46.6 inches will have a recorded length of 45.5 inches.

B. MINIMUM LENGTH REQUIREMENTS NEEDED TO DEFEAT OR TIE EXISTING RECORDS

1. To defeat an existing record, the fish must measure at least (.5) inches longer than the existing record
2. A catch which matches the length of an existing record or exceeds the length by less than .5 inches will be considered a tie.  In the case of a tie claim involving more than two catches, length must be compared with the original record (first fish to be caught).  Nothing measuring less than the original record (first fish to be caught) will be considered.

C.  PHOTOGRAPHIC REQUIREMENTS
Photographs uploaded with applications must contain the following information.

1. The full length of the fish on the measuring device clearly showing the position of the mouth and tail. The fish may be held in position, but must be done in a manner that does not obscure the view of the fish on the measuring device.
2. The angler with the fish.
3. The rod and reel used to make the catch.

General Best Handling Practices
To remove your fish from the water to document it for record purposes, anglers should use either hands or a knotless, rubberized landing net to minimize slime and scale loss.  Lip gripping devices may be used to help subdue fish.  However, large fish should not be hoisted vertically out of the water, as this can cause damage to jaw muscle and bone as well as to internal organs.  The best method for removing fish from the water by hand is to grip the fish or the lower jaw and support the fish’s underside. Again, the point is always to hold fish horizontally and not vertically.

Documentation
YakAngler records require pictures, measurement of the catch.  All of this takes time, so you should have the necessary equipment ready before landing the fish. If the documentation process takes longer than several minutes, periodically place the fish back in the water or place in a live well to allow it to breath.

Releasing
Considerable time and care should be exercised when releasing fish.  Fish should be placed in the water and held by the base of the tail.  If the fish is does not swim away from your grasp on its own, gently move it forward in the water to get water flowing over the gills.  For best results, move the fish in the forward direction only instead of back in forth.  A fish’s gills somewhat resemble the pages of a book and are designed for water flow in only one direction.  Moving the fish in a slow circle or gently towing it behind the boat will accomplish this.