How big is big enough?

[Doc Madison]

I was looking at a photo last week of my wife holding up a 2-3 pound Bass. She had a huge smile on her face but I knew that even touching that fish was creeping her out. The photo reminded me of the excitement of her catching her first "big fish." I've always had a personal conviction that I would never sacrifice a fish to put on the wall when a photo can better capture the true moment. (I've also never caught a fish even remotely worth a taxidermist.) I was curious what others thought about mounting a fish and how big would it have to be in order to send it along to the taxidermist. (I love looking at the specimens on the walls in the resorts so I have no prejudice or opposition to keeping trophy fish.) Curious what others think.

[Jim W]

Personally, I would have to have the feeling in my gut that "this" fish is a once in a life time fish. Big enough that I know(somewhere deep down) that I couldn't repeat it.<P>Even then, it might depend on where I catch it too?<P>Just last Spring, I caught my largest Northern and walleye 3 weeks apart. I did get wonderful photos of said fish. So if I find myself 20 years past and have yet to surpass, I might replicate.<P>Keep the rods bendin'!!!<P>Jim W <p>[This message has been edited by Jim W (edited 02-09-2004).]

[MrMuskie]

DOC, A trophy is in the eye of beholder. It don't matter if it's a monster or not. If you think that it's a moment in time that you want to capture. Go for it. I have a 31&half walleye & a 5.2 LM bass on my wall. Both have a special story behind them. Last year I broke the 50 inch mark muskie fishing & a big 47incher. Both fish were CP&R. GOOD FISHIN DOUG

[boener]

I would have to say.....anything over 27 for me. You guys are talking about perch right? Thats my biggest..27-with no mount or picture. Now if I were to catch that fish again, its on the wall! No question. Those 14-15 inchers are looking pretty big lately!! There are many factors that add into the equation....is the fish dead or alive? Did your kid that is 8 yrs old catch it? or is it plain and simple the biggest you've personally caught? <P>I personally dont have any on the wall. BUT, then again, I'm not a "trophy" hunter!!! I go to put fillets on the table!!(yeah right)<P>Remember to bring enough home to feed the kids.

[DrJ]

Doc,My son caught a 32" walleye on the day after X-mas,also my 52nd birthday. He released it with out any second thoughts,but later everyone said he should have kept it. We've decided to have a replica made. The important part is the memories we both have. Good Fishing. DrJ.

[Doc Madison]

Dr. J - I guess that's my point , however ,that a photo captures memories just as well or better. A recent post spoke of seeing many 4-8# Walleyes at the cleaning shack which seemed like a shame to me. Knowing that others are also putting these fish back leaves us some hope of catching them with a little more girth next time. Congrats to your son for appreciating conservation.

[little perch 1]

Doc,<BR>Last year we were up to low in Feb.On our last day of the two day trip up there I caught a 12/3/4" perch.The reason I put it on the wall.Because it was the biggest perch I ever caught in my life.I know a lot of people would have put that one in the fry pan for the family. I want it on the wall to rembemer the fun of catching it.This is just my two cents.

[Guest]

Doc,<P>You've gotta catch something before you can think about puttin' it up on the wall...<P>Take that 26lb Northern (44" long x 19" girth) for instance. It looks **** good on the wall at the cabin. Never gave it a 2nd thought. Not a bad fish from a lake in mid-Minnesota... <P>Unfortunately, I'll probably never better it unless I catch a float plane to a lake with icebergs across the border<P>If you fish your butt off, maybe you'll latch into an 8" perch in March. Keep dreamin bud!

[Boatlessinblaine]

I think that every angler has the right, but not the duty to put the big one on the wall. I caught a 51 inch muskie out of White Bear Lake about 8 years ago and there was never any question. It hangs on my wall because, in my opinion, it was a gift from God. If I ever get another one worthy of mounting, I will CPR and get a fake one made just to even things out.

[Jaypo]

TimmerP and DocMadison - <P>Keep dreamin' boys!! If you two would ever take that death grip off your beers long enough to notice your bobbers were down, we may have finally been able to have that family fish fry we've talked about for years. Timmer, if that 26 lb. Northern hadn't choked on the 7" rapala you lodged sideways in its throat, we would still be hearing about the one that got away.<P>Drop the gloves in 3 weeks boys.... gonna be a fishing battle on LOW!!<P>Horse!

[Tully]

DrJ,<BR>I am very interested in how your replica turns out. I too had a 32" 2 years ago. I would like to know where you get it done and if you are happy with the work. Also if you could give me an idea of cost.<BR>Thanks,<BR>Tully<BR>[email protected]

[Bobberboy]

I agree with the thought that if a fish holds special meaning then by all means have it mounted. I practice and have practiced CPR for 25 years but also have a 6# 13oz large mouth 3 crappies all over 2# that my son and I caught on opening day 2years ago and am now having 2 perch mounted that my wife and I caught on Winnie 12" and a 10.5" not huge but it was our firt trip there and these were by far the biggest perch we have ever caught. Each of these mounts have a great story behind them. The Bass hit while I had the Zebco (1982 and no money) laying in pieces on the boat seat, so I switched to the flyrod method. Tall but true tale. Anyway as Dad always said "if you can catch'em mount'em".

[Walleye Wacker]

I still think you can catch a lunker and have it mounted or Fillet it if you choose. The conservation regs state you can keep 1 over xx inches and as long as you are within the regs you are doing minimal damage to the eco system/fishery. Last summer I caught a 41" Northern, my personal best and took measurements and some pics and got her back in the water within a minute or so as I felt the fish should be released. I also caught a 7lb 5oz eye that was a major bleeder. I filleted that one as it would have died had I released it.<P>Everyone needs to keep in mind the Regs and the situation when out on the water.

[widetrack]

For my wife this one was big enough.<BR>11lbs 7oz's.<P> <BR><p>[This message has been edited by widetrack (edited 02-12-2004).]

[Doc Madison]

Widetrack -<BR>A picture may not do that fish justice. Would be fun to pull that one up on a short rod.

[Reefer]

Widetrack<P>You'd have to roll me over in my grave the day my wife would ever grab on to a fish like that one. Looks like you got two keepers there. Nice fish!!

[widetrack]

Reefer:<P>She fetches beers for me too! Yep she is a keeper.

[Reefer]

This sounds like one of those High Life commercials, "just to let her know she hasn't fell off the radar(sonar)!!"

[Lip RIPPER!]

Reefer, anything happen on the west side last weekend?

[Reefer]

We went out to 16. Fished the SE in 33 ft off the rocks and ended up with a full pail of primarily perch with a few stray saug and wallys. Overall I would say it was slow with 3 of us, although them perch were phenominal. I know 2 of them went at least 14 with an average 10-11". Not going up now til the weekend after sweetheart day. Shot in the dark as to where though. If your going let me know..