Right: Jeremy Wolfe from Stacy caught this 38” Musky while fishing Lake Wapogasset in Amery, Wis., on Aug. 23.

DNR Question of the Week:

A: Catching a big fish regardless of the species is always a thrill for any angler. Since a potential record fish needs to be transported for weighing and identification it must be harvested and only fish that are caught and can be kept legally are eligible for state record verification. So a state record fish could not be recognized on these bodies of water.

For full record fish rules go to www.mndnr.gov/fishing/staterecords.html 
However, there is another way for anglers to enjoy the rewards of catch and release. The Master Angler program, which is sponsored by the DNR and Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame, aims to recognize responsible anglers who release quality fish. The program is open to all licensed anglers in Minnesota, and includes categories for both adults and youth.

Details about this program are available at www.mndnr.gov/fishing/masterangler.

Want a memento other than a picture? Some taxidermists will build a replica from the measurements and photo you might take before releasing the fish.

Additional information on state record fish and proper catch and release techniques can be found on page 72 in the 2009 Fishing Regulations.
- Jenifer Matthees,

DNR Aquatic Education coordinator

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