Idaho Pike Record Falls?

Despite a campaign of disinformation and inaccuracies, I can state categorically that the new Idaho record pike may have been caught in Lake Coeur d'Alene. There may, however, be some questions regarding the validity of the new record and the manner in which the fish was caught. The Idaho Fish and Wildlife website already lists the new record seemingly without reservations.

I was always under the impression that for a record to be valid that the catch had to be made by the angler "unassisted". Now I can understand your buddy handling the net when you bring the fish up to the boat or bank, but the reports I have read says that Bob Ringer of Post Falls, (or Hayden), reports vary, was assisted by his friend, Skip Arthur, (or Skip Archer), again, reports vary, who jumped into three feet of water to hand grab the fish by the eye sockets and bring it to shore. So it seems that in the State of Idaho any number of anglers can assist in securing a record fish. Perhaps Bob's buddy Skip should get half credit for the catch. Would he have been able to land it without his help? (Source; Couer d'Alene Press, April 18th, & April 24th. Mike Satren, Hagadone News Network Outdoors Editor).

Secondly, while Idaho fish and wildlife regulations permit the use of dead bait, the use of "natural prey" species is prohibited. By using a dead perch Bob admitted taking the pike by illegal means. If the state accepts the pike as a new state record under these circumstances, it would seem that they would be encouraging further instances of illegal bait usage. Was Bob cited by the Idaho Department of fish & Game for this infraction? I doubt it. It would seem to be the first responsibility of any angler to be aware of, and follow the regulations of the waters he or she fishes. Should the department of fish and wildlife look the other way just because it may promote the area fishery or be economically advantageous to the region?

The previous record was 38 pounds 9 ounces, Ringer's pike at 39 pounds 13 ounces, caught in Cougar Bay, beat that mark by more than a pound. The fish measured 48.5 inches long and had a 27.5-inch girth. State records are certainly less stringent than IGFA, (International Game Fish Association), rules, and probably for good reason. The catching of a state record fish may do alot to promote state revenues, either by increased licenses sold, more tackle and gear sales by fishing retailers, etc.

I personally subscribe to the catch and release philosophy. Weigh and measure the fish and then release it to grow even larger and be caught by another lucky angler. This also keeps that genetically superior fish reproducing and thus insuring the future of the fishery. For the sheer thrill and enjoyment that fish gave Bob, I think it earned its freedom! After all, a Pike of that size might be twenty years of age or older. Just my opinion, for what it's worth.

But let's give Bob his due. He obviously put in his time and seems no less deserving to hold the record as the next guy. It is said that his fish was a spawned-out female, she might have weighed three or four pounds more prior to releasing her eggs. That also means that she left behind another generation of her progeny for future fishermen to enjoy. All in all, not a bad legacy to give her life for.

I realize that these opinions and the presumed facts of the catch may prove controversial, however, to me, a record is not a record if the rules apply differently to different individuals. Max-fishing wants to know your opinion. Do you think that Bob Ringer's pike should be allowed as the new Idaho record?