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Rules, Regulations for World Record Application

Category: article

 Apr 2nd, 2006 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Apr 2nd, 2006 at 12:00 AM

International Angling Rules, Regulations and Equipment Criteria for Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) and Tiger Hybrid Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy x Esox lucius) World Record ApplicationsThe following rules, regulations and equipment criteria were developed by the International Modern Day Muskellunge World Records committee in order to establish uniform angling guidelines for muskellunge or hybrid muskellunge world records. Please read carefully. All rules, regulations and equipment criteria must be fully complied with for record consideration.Only fish that are captured using legal angling methods established by the state or provincial jurisdiction where it was landed will be accepted.Angling is defined as fishing using a rod and reel with line and hook or hooks, or a plug or artificial lure with hook or hooks as described in the criteria listed below. Only muskellunge or tiger hybrid muskellunge will be considered. All materials submitted, unless noted otherwise, become the property of the International Modern Day Muskellunge World Records committee. Note: The minimum qualifying weight for a muskellunge record application is 60 pounds (27.22 kilograms), and the minimum qualifying weight for a hybrid muskellunge record application is 40 pounds (18.14 kilograms). A record weight must be bested by at least 4 ounces to establish a new record.International Rules, Regulations & Equipment Criteria for Muskellunge & Hybrid Muskellunge World Record ApplicationAll-Tackle OnlyEquipment criteria:1) Rod: Rod used to catch a potential record muskellunge must comply with accepted angling and sporting ethics and customs. Rod used must not give the angler an unfair advantage and precludes the use of an unconventional rod of inadequate length, including rods broken during the fight if there is less than adequate rod length left to allow a fair advantage to the fish. Final decision of this matter will be at the sole discretion of the committee. Photograph of the rod used in capture must accompany the application. If the rod was broken during the fight, the length of the remaining part of the rod attached to the reel must be stated from the broken end of the rod to the centerline of the reel.2) Reel: The reel used must comply with accepted angling and sporting ethics and customs and as such, no power-driven reels will be allowed, including motor, hydraulic or electrically driven reels. Photograph of the reel used in capture must accompany the application. Exception: Handicapped anglers may use power driven reels at the discretion of the committee. 3) Line: Any normal, conventional manufactured line may be used, whether it is monofilament, multifilament, lead core multifilament, or wire line (where legal). A five foot (152 centimeter) length of the line used must be submitted with the application.4) Leader: Use of a nylon or nylon coated leader of no less than three feet (143 centimeters) is required to be used with wire line. Failure to use a nylon or nylon coated leader will result in disqualification. The actual leader used to capture the potential record fish must be submitted with the application if wire line was used. There are no other regulations regarding the material or strength of the leader used other than the nylon or nylon coating.The intent of this rule is to prevent any external damage to muskellunge captured while using wire line, should the fish roll on the lure or bait while being played by the angler.A leader is not required to be used with the other line types unless desired by the angler, however, it is highly recommended that a leader be used with all trolling lines for the good of the fish.5) Hooks and Lures: Hooks attached to a plug or other artificial lure specifically designed for their use must be attached directly to the plug or artificial lure. Single, double or gang (treble) hooks may be used and must be free swinging, unless they were imbedded in the lure during manufacture. A photograph of the plug, or artificial lure, must be submitted with the application. In the case of treble hooks used with live or dead bait, where legal, they may be attached to the bait by any of a variety of methods. Bait rigs used with live or dead bait must be legal where used and submitted with the application. A maximum of four hooks, unless fewer are specified by law, either single, double or gang (treble) in any combination, may be used. There shall be no exceptions.The intent of this rule is to prevent solidly affixed external hooks being used to snag the fish rather than hooking it in the fair and sporting angling manner of normal hook-setting.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT SINGLE HOOKS NOT BE USED WITH LIVE or DEAD BAIT TO PREVENT THE DEATH OF FISH THAT COULD BE GUT HOOKED AND RELEASED.6) Landing Devices: Gaffs, where legal, may be used. Length must not exceed 7 feet (213 centimeters). Gaffs may have only one point. Nets may be used and they must comply with laws for size, if any, where used. If gaff or net was used, a photograph of same must accompany application.Angling and Catch Rules and Regulations:1) The angler must hook the fish, fight and bring it to boat or shore, without the aid of any other person from the time the fish strikes or takes bait or lure. Landing assistance is allowed. It is permissible for a second person to touch the leader to assist in landing the fish by legal method. If a short leader or no leader is used, the line may not be touched by the assisting person until the distance from the rod tip to the snap or lure is 5 feet (152 centimeters) or less.2) Should a rod holder be used and a fish strikes while the rod is in the rod holder, the angler must remove the rod from the rod holder as quickly as possible after the strike. There are no exceptions to this rule.In the spirit of this rule, and to comply with some laws, forward propulsion of the boat, if used, whether by outboard or inboard motor, electric motor or oar or paddle, must be immediately discontinued at the strike or immediately after the angler has gained control of the rod from a rod holder if used, which must be accomplished as quickly as possible after the fish strikes. It is the intent of this rule for the angler to fight the fish directly via rod and reel and not let the boat and rod holder become part of the equation to diminish the sporting aspect of the catch. A boat may be moved under power if necessary while the angler is playing the fish in situations of danger, or the boat may be held in place by motor, if necessary, while playing the fish.Your Catch Will Be Disqualified IF:1) You do not comply with each angling and catch rule and all equipment criteria, especially as pertains to photographs (see photograph requirements below, and within individual rules, regulations and equipment criteria).2) You rest your rod on the gunwale of the boat or place it in a rod holder while playing the fish.3) Anyone other than you the angler touches any part of the equipment or line from the time a fish strikes or takes the bait or lure, or while the you the angler is fighting the fish until it is landed, except as allowed for landing assistance under Angling and Catch Rules and Regulations.Should a line become obstructed with an item that will not pass through the rod guides, assistance may be rendered by holding only the obstacle and cutting or otherwise removing it without touching the line. This includes planner boards. Only the angler may touch the line during this process.It is the intent of this rule to insure that no unfair advantage is gained by the angler during the duration of the time spent fighting the fish.4) You use the boat or any other device to attempt to drive the fish into shallow water in an attempt to reduce the fishs natural ability to swim. If shore fishing, you or a partner may, after your fish has been brought into shallow water at the end of the fight, enter the water, or if in the water, approach the fish in order to gain control of it in the absence of a net or gaff or to use a net or a gaff.It is the intent of this rule for the boat or shore angler or another person or boat, not to herd the fish into shallow water before completion of the fight while fishing from boat, shore or while wading.5) You employ a kind of live or dead bait that is illegal to use or possess or is of an illegal size, for the water being fished.6) You intentionally or unintentionally snag or foul hook a fish.7) A fish is captured in fish hatchery waters, fish sanctuary or private waters not available to the general public.8) Your catch is not made during the legal open season or is not caught during legal fishing hours, if applicable, for the water where caught.9) Your catch is not weighed in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth herein.10) You land your fish with a gaff or net not in compliance with size or it is illegal where used.11) You fail to cooperate with a record application claim reviewer or a designated record application claim review representative.Record Catch Rules and Regulations; General Information:Applications:1) An official application as provided (see below), or an exact copy, must be used.2) In certain circumstances, an International Committee member or appointed representative may be instructed to document information provided on a record application. This action should be regarded as due diligence on the part of the Committee and not doubt of anglers claim for record. Cooperation with this process is mandatory. Failure to comply will result in rejection of the application.3) Any protested record claims or any dispute arising over an existing record will be examined by the International Committee for validity and reviewed as appropriate. Their decisions will be final. The committee also reserves the right to refuse an application, or grant a claim for a record application previously accepted. Record holders or applicants that refuse to cooperate with the committee or the committees designated representative will be automatically disqualified.Application Time Limit:1) Applications for record must be received within 60 days of catch. Exceptions to this rule for just cause will be at the sole discretion of the committee.The intent of this rule is for the committee to be able to review the application, and interview catch witnesses and weight witnesses in a timely manner. The sooner after the capture of a potential record fish an application is received, the easier it is to validate the information submitted and to request additional information if deemed necessary.2) Application for record may be made for catches made in prior years, PROVIDED that ALL MODERN DAY RECORD RULES, REGULATIONS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS ARE MET AND CAN BE DOCUMENTED as set forth herein by the committee. Any exceptions shall be at the sole discretion of the committee, as shall the decision whether or not an application under this rule will be accepted. Their decision is final.3) Applications submitted with incomplete information will not be acceptable unless a satisfactory written explanation of why is included with the application. Additional time may be allowed for the missing information to be provided, or at the discretion of the committee, may be waived for sufficient reason, where the missing information is not directly relevant to the decision making process.Catch Witness(es):It is highly desirable to have a witness or witnesses to the catch if any were present. Unwitnessed captures may be disallowed should questions arise with regards to their credibility or authenticity. Capture witnesses must be able to verify the anglers compliance with the Angling and Catch Rules and Regulations and Equipment Criteria. There are no exceptions to this rule.Scale, Weighing and Witness Requirements:1) The fish must be weighed on a digital or balance beam scale legal for trade and certified for accuracy within the previous twelve months. Spring type scales are not allowed. Scale certification details must be included on the application. The weighing should be done by the owner of the scale, who is familiar with its operation. If a scale has not been certified within the previous twelve months, it must immediately be re-certified. Any scale deviation found at that time must be applied to the official weight of the fish taken at the time of the original weighing. A full written, signed and notarized explanation of this process must be included with the application. Photographs of the entire process would be helpful. A photograph of the scale is required and must be submitted with the application. It is strongly recommended that even if a scale has been certified in the previous twelve months, a re-certification be made after the official weighing by an appropriate agency. This can only help speed the application acceptance process, and if done, full documentation must be included with the application.THE COMMITTEE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REQUEST THAT ANY SCALE BE RE-CERTIFIED FOR ACCURACY AND, BASED ON THE RE-CERTIFICATION RESULTS, RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ADJUST WEIGHT ACCORDINGLY . FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUEST SHALL BE GROUNDS FOR THE COMMITTEE TO REJECT THE APPLICATION. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT A FISH BE WEIGHED ONLY ONCE ON A CERTIFIED SCALE. ADDITIONAL WEIGHINGS ONLY TEND TO CONFUSE THE ISSUE, HOWEVER, IF MORE THAN ONE CERTIFIED SCALE IS USED, ONLY THE SCALE WEIGHING THE LESSER AMOUNT, IF ANY, WILL BE ACCEPTED AND CONSIDERED!3) No weight estimation or scale interpolation, also known as visual fractionalizing, shall be permitted. If a scale is used that shows only pound or half-pound (or kilogram) increments and the weight indicator falls between two of these graduations, THE LOWER OF THE TWO GRADUATIONS SHALL BE THE ONE USED FOR OFFICIAL WEIGHT DETERMINATION. There shall be no exceptions to this rule. A photograph showing the fish on the scale and another photograph showing the actual scale reading is required and must be submitted for scales having less than one-ounce graduation with the application and is recommended with all scales.4) If a rope, sling or other contrivance is used to hold or attach the fish to the scale the weight of said item must be accurately determined and deducted from the total weight. A photograph of same must be provided with the application with a full written, signed and notarized explanation of the item and the process used to determine its weight and the calculations used to make final weight determination of the fish. Scales with pre-attached hooks must be ZEROED with the hook attached prior to weighing of the fish.5) Fish weighed only on the water in a boat SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED. There shall be no exception to this rule. 6) There must be at least two witnesses to the weighing, and subsequent scale certification process if required. These witnesses MUST be disinterested persons not associated with the angler. Witnesses to the catch MAY NOT be weight witnesses.7) The fish must be re-weighed by a biologist or committee representative BEFORE the fish is skinned for mounting or cut open in any manner (see Possession of Fish after Weighing below).Fish Measurement:1) Length: The fish must be measured only lying down upon a flat surface. Measurement shall be taken ALONG THE FLAT SURFACE, from the tip of the longest jaw to the farthest tip of either lobe of the tail, USING ONLY AN ACCURATE MEASURING DEVICE ACCEPTABLE FOR BUSINESS OR TRADE USE. The tail may be pinched if desired. A photograph of the fish lying down with the measuring device clearly shown in the photo is required. Measurement of the fish hanging in a vertical position is not allowed or accepted. Extreme care should be taken to assure accuracy. Fish must be of legal length for water where caught.The intent of this rule is to obtain an absolutely accurate length measurement which can aid in weight verification and may also be useful in scientific studies.2) Fork Length: The same method employed in taking the length measurement as outlined above should be employed with the exception that the rearward measurement on the fish shall be only to the fork or center of the V of the fishs tail.3) Girth Measurement: Girth measurement is also a very important dimension and must be measured as accurately as possible. Girth denotes the largest circumference on the fish at any place along the body. It is strongly recommended that a flexible measuring tape be used if available. If none is available, a piece of string or other soft piece of material may be used, marked, and measured against an accurate measuring instrument. If anything other than a marked flexible measuring tape is used, the entire process must be explained in writing, signed by the witnesses, notarized and included with the application. When taking the girth measurement, do not pull so tight on the measuring tool as to indent the skin, while at the same time assuring that the tool is snug and accurate.Photograph Requirements:1) All photographs must be clear. All fish photographs must show the entire fish. All photographs should be made using 35mm film or other negative type film and it is suggested that the negatives be included with the application (if not, they may be requested by the committee and will be returned. Failure to comply with this request may result in rejection of application). Any photographs submitted of a digital format may be rejected by the committee at their discretion, or they may require that the original digital image be submitted, whether still in the camera or on the original camera disc. Cameras will be returned if submitted.A VIDEO OF THE ENTIRE PROCESS, IF AVAILABLE, THAT COVERS ALL RULES AND REQUIREMENTS WOULD BE VERY VALUABLE FOR RECORD CONSIDERATON, IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIRED PHOTOGRAPHS. Video will returned if requested and treated as copyright property. Submission of additional photographs not pertaining to rules is encouraged.2) In addition to ALL photograph requirements in the rules for equipment, fish measurement, and scale, there must be at least one clear side view photograph of the fish with the angler standing BESIDE the fish and NOT behind it. This photograph MUST show the complete length of the fish AND the full length of the angler, including the shoes, boots or bare feet and the top of the anglers head, preferably with hat removed.The fish must be identifiable to the committee from this photograph. If there is any doubt that this positive identification can be obtained from the photograph, it is recommended that the fish be examined by a biologist or a designated representative of the committee prior to submitting the application. Their written statement of identification must be submitted with the application.It is the intent of these photographic rules to be able to adequately identify the fish, the measurement of length, the equipment used and the size of the fish in comparison to the angler, and is required as denoted within all rules, regulations and equipment criteria sections. Photo requirements for rod, reel, lure and gaff or net if used, may be included in the photograph of the angler standing beside the fish. Submission of additional photographs not pertaining to rules is encouraged.3) In addition to the photograph required of the angler standing beside the fish, for tiger hybrid muskellunge application, a biologist must make positive identification and multiple, close-up, full length, side view photographs from different angles of the fish lying flat is also desirable. A written statement of identification from the biologist must be signed and submitted with the application for it to be considered.If a biologist is unavailable, the fish must be retained in a preserved condition until a qualified authority can make positive identification. There are no exceptions to this ruleThe intent of this rule is to fully verify that the fish is indeed a muskellunge x northern pike cross. Multiple photographs of a close-up, full length, side view of the fish from different angles will also aid the committee in their final decision.Possession of Fish after Weighing:1) It is strongly recommended that the fish be kept frozen until released by the committee after the application is received. Should the angler turn the fish over to a taxidermist for skinning instead, it is MANDATORY that a biologist or committee representative be present prior to the fish being opened. Arrangements must be made by the angler for the biologist or committee representative to be able to re-weigh the fish prior to opening on a certified scale. This is to assure that the fish is still within internal committee protocol for acceptable weight loss, if any, as compared to the certified weight submitted on the application. After the fish is opened a biologist or committee representative must examine the stomach contents of the fish to determine what the stomach contents are if any. Failure to follow this procedure will result in the application being rejected. A complete written report of this entire procedure, signed by the biologist or committee representative must be submitted.The angler or the committee representative must also obtain a scale sample and the cleithral bone from the fish for submission to the committee. These items are for scientific information, verification and study.2) If the fish is retained in a frozen state, arrangements will be made by the committee to have a biologist or committee representative present immediately after the fish is thawed and prior to the fish being opened. This is MANDATORY. Arrangements must be made by the angler for the biologist or committee representative to be able to re-weigh the fish prior to opening on a certified scale. This is to assure that the fish is still within internal committee protocol for acceptable weight loss, if any, as compared to the certified weight submitted on the application. After the fish is opened a biologist or committee representative must examine the stomach contents of the fish to determine what the stomach contents are if any. Failure to follow this procedure will result in the application being rejected. A complete written report of this entire procedure, signed by the biologist or committee representative must be submitted.The angler or the committee representative must obtain a scale sample and the cleithral bone from the fish for submission to the committee. These items are for scientific information, verification and study.It is the intent of the above process in rules 1 & 2, to assure that the fish being submitted for record consideration was not loaded with foreign objects or water prior to certified weighing. Failure to follow these requirements will result in rejection of the application.FOLLOWING ARE THREE PAGES THAT CONTAIN THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE MODERN DAY WORLD RECORD KEEPING APPLICATION FOR RECORD.PLEASE READ ALL ABOVE RULES, REGULATIONS, AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS TO ASSURE COMPLIANCE, AND FILL OUT THE APPLICATION BLANK COMPLETELY. FOLLOWING THE APPLICATION IS A CHECK LIST TO HELP YOU TO ASSURE ALL RULES HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH. FAILURE TO COMPLY FULLY WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING REJECTED.International Committee of Judges: Peter J. Barber,Treasurer, Muskies, Inc. International–Joe Bucher, Editor Emeritus Musky Hunter Magazine; Legendary Hall of Fame Muskie AnglerSteve Budnik, Past President and Research Committee Chairman, Muskies, Inc. International–Jim Bunch, Chairman, Muskies, Inc. Members Only Fishing Contest; Muskie magazine Lunge Log Editor– John M. Casselman Ph.d., Adjunct Professor Queens University, Department of Biology & Senior Scientist Emeritus, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Applied Research and Development Branch Glenora Fisheries Station; Member Muskies, Inc. & Muskies Canada–Rich Delaney, President World Record Muskie Alliance; Member Muskies, Inc.Terrie DuBe, Muskies, Inc. International Secretary; Professional Muskie Tournament Angler–Brad Latvaitis, AFS Fisheries Professional Emeritus; Owner, Environmental Solution Professionals; Enshrined, Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame 2006; Muskie Historian & Researcher; Contributing Editor Musky Hunter magazine–Mike Lazarus, Member Muskies Canada; Ontario & Quebec Muskie GuideRon Lindner, Publisher Emeritus In-Fisherman Communications Network & Hall of Fame Angler–Pete Maina, General Manager/Co-owner Esox Angler magazine; Contributor Wisconsin Sportsman magazine & Member Muskies, Inc.Diana Mindar, Muskies, Inc. International Board Member; Professional Muskie Tournament Angler– Jerry Newman, Founder World Record Muskie Alliance; Member International Game Fish Association (IGFA); Member Muskies, Inc. & Muskies Canada–Steve Pallo, Management Programs Section Head Illinois Department of Natural Resources-Fisheries; American Fisheries Society (AFS), Certified Fisheries Scientist; Past Director-Research Muskies, Inc. International; Past Chair AFS Esocid Technical Committee; Life Member of Muskies, Inc. & Co-Chair of Fisheries Habitat Committee Muskies, Inc.–Gord Pyzer, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (Ret.) Kenora; Fishing Editor, Outdoor Canada Magazine; Field Editor, In-Fisherman Magazine and Television Co-Host; The Real Fishing Radio Show; President, Canadian Angling Adventures Ltd.; Outdoor Editor/Columnist, The Kenora Daily Miner and News, The Fort Frances Times, Just Fishing and Grainews–Larry Ramsell, Research Editor Musky Hunter magazine; Muskie Historian & Dual Hall of Fame Muskie Angler; Past President, Muskies, Inc. International; Former Represenative IGFA; Former World Secretary NFWFHF; Former World Record Advisor NFWFHF–Jim Saric, Editor/Owner Musky Hunter magazine; Contributing Editor Fishing Facts magazine; Contributing Editor, MidWest Outdoors magazine– Steve Sarley, Host of CLTV’s “The Great Outdoors” television program – 2002 to 2005; Host of “The Outdoors Experience” radio program on Chicago’s NewsTalk 560-AM WIND – 2003 to present; Weekly columnist for Shaw Newspaper’s “Northwest Herald,” “Kane County Chronicle,” and other Shaw daily newspapers; Monthly columnist for “MidWest Outdoors magazine” – 1996 to present.–Tim Simonson, Fisheries Lake Sampling Coordinator, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Spokesman, Co-chair State Musky Committee, Wisconsin Deptartment of Natural Resources–Marc Thorpe, Past President Muskies Canada; Ontario & Quebec Muskie Guide–Steve Worrall, Owner Muskie First Internet Website & Member Muskies, Inc.Send completed Application to:International Muskellunge Record Review Committee,17805 57th Avenue,Chippewa Falls, WI 54729For immediate contact:Larry Ramsell, Chairman715-462-9880email: [email protected] Bunch 715-723-8343 email: [email protected] Day Muskellunge World Record ApplicationInternational Committee of Judges: Peter J. Barber–Joe Bucher Steve Budnik–Jim Bunch — John M. Casselman Ph.D.–Rich Delaney–Terrie DuBe –Brad Latvaitis –Mike LazarusRon Lindner –Pete MainaDiana Mindar — Jerry Newman –Steve Pallo–Gord Pyzer –Larry Ramsell Steve Sarley–Jim Saric –Tim Simonson –Marc Thorpe–Steve Worrall1) This official world record application form or an exact reproduction must be used for world record claims, and all rules and regulations must have been complied with. 2) This application must be filled out by the angler personally, in a legible and readable manner.3) The angler is responsible for obtaining the required witness signatures and assuring that all are properly notarized as specified within the rules and regulations.4) The angler is responsible for assuring that all photograph requirements are met and included.5) The angler must indicate the line type, make and test used.6) Leader information, if used must be stated, and a nylon coated leader is mandatory for use with wire line, and must be included.7) The angler is responsible for obtaining any additional statements or affidavits as required within the rules and regulations.8) The angler and witnesses must all appear in person for notarization of application and supporting statements.9) If a notary is unavailable, a committee representatives signature may be used.10) Any deliberate falsification of an application or supporting documents shall disqualify applicant from any future world record application, and if applicable, disqualify any prior world record(s).11) Fish must have been caught in the legal open season, during legal fishing hours if applicable, for the waters fished. Any fish captured in fish hatchery waters, fish sanctuary or private waters not available to the general public, is not eligible.12) Witness information must include full address, email address if any, and telephone contact number for both application and any supporting documentation. 13) Decision of the Record Review Committee shall be final.Name of Angler: (print)_______________________________________________________________________Address: _____________________________________________________________________________City: _______________________________________________ State/Prov.: _________ Zip:________Phone: ______-______-________ Email: __________________________ Height: _______________Date of Catch: ________________ Location of Catch: ______________________________________State/Prov. Of Catch: _____________________________ Nearest Town: _______________________See Rules, Regulations and Equipment Criteria to Complete the Following:Weight of Fish: _____________lbs/kilos (circle one) _____________oz./grams (circle one) Total Length of Fish: ______________________________________ inches/centimeters (circle one) Note: Fish must be of legal length for water where caught, such as 54 (137 centimeters) for Canadas trophy category waters.Fork Length of Fish: _______________________________________ inches/centimeters (circle one) Girth of Fish: _____________________________________________ inches/centimeters (circle one) Rod Length (ctr. of reel to rod tip): ___________in./cm. (circle one) Type Line Used: _________________Line Manufacturer: ________________________________________ Line Test: ______________________Plug or Artificial Lure or Bait used: ___________________________________________________________Type of Leader Used (if any): _____________________________________ Length: ______________Check: Method of Catch; Casting: _______ Trolling: ______ Live/Dead Bait (circle one): ________Check: Method of landing; Gaff: _________ Net: ________ Other (describe) _____________________________AFFIDAVIT: I, the undersigned, do hereby affirm and attest that my catch has complied with all Angling Rules, Regulations and Equipment Criteria as set forth for record consideration by the International Record Committee, as well as all laws where caught, and that all required photographs and supporting documentation, line sample and leader (if any) is provided herewith:Signature of Angler: ___________________________________________________________________Signature of Notary: _____________________________________________ Seal:AFFIDAVIT: I/we the undersigned do hereby attest and affirm that I/we actually witnessed the capture of this fish being applied for record, and further attest and affirm that the applicant adhered fully to the International Rules, Regulations and Equipment Criteria as set forth for record consideration by the International Record Committee, as well as having complied with all laws where the fish was caught:Printed Name: _________________________________________________________________________Signature of Catch Witness #1: _________________________________________________Address: _____________________________________________________________________________City: _______________________________________________ State/Prov.: _________ Zip:________Phone: ______-______-________ Email: __________________________________________________ Signature of Notary: _____________________________________________ Seal:Printed Name: _________________________________________________________________________Signature of Witness #2: _________________________________________________Address: _____________________________________________________________________________City: _______________________________________________ State/Prov.: _________ Zip:________Phone: ______-______-________ Email: __________________________________________________ Signature of Notary: _____________________________________________ Seal: AFFIDAVIT: We the undersigned do hereby affirm and attest that we witnessed the actual weighing and measuring of this fish. We also attest that we are not associates of the angler:Printed Name: _________________________________________________________________________Signature of Weight Witness #1: _________________________________________________________Address: _____________________________________________________________________________City: _______________________________________________ State/Prov.: _________ Zip:________Phone: ______-______-________ Email: __________________________________________________ Signature of Notary: _____________________________________________ Seal:Printed Name: _________________________________________________________________________Signature of Weight Witness #2: _________________________________________________________Address: _____________________________________________________________________________City: _______________________________________________ State/Prov.: _________ Zip:________Phone: ______-______-________ Email: __________________________________________________Signature of Notary: ____________________________________________ Seal:WEIGHT SCALERS AFFIDAVIT: I, the undersigned, do hereby attest and affirm that I was the person that did the actual weighing of the fish above noted and that I have no association with the angler:Printed Name: _________________________________________________________________________Signature of Weight Scaler: _________________________________________________________Address: _____________________________________________________________________________City: _______________________________________________ State/Prov.: _________ Zip:________Phone: ______-______-________ Email: __________________________________________________Signature of Notary: ____________________________________________ Seal:SCALE CERTIFICATION: Registered Scale #: ____________ Make of Scale: _________________Date Last Certified: ____________________Scale Location (store, etc., town/state/prov.): _______________________________________________________________________________________________Please attach signed Certification of Species, Weight and Stomach Contents Statement of findings, including contact information of the biologist or committee representative present as per Possession of Fish after Weighing: rule #1 or 2 and include cleithral bone and scale sample.Send completed Application to: International Muskellunge Record Review Committee, 17805 57th Avenue, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 Record Application Check ListApplication:_____ Official application or exact copy was used_____ Angler information is complete and affidavit notarized_____ Catch witness(es), if any, information is complete and affidavit(s) notarized_____ Weight witnesses information is complete and affidavits notarized_____ Weigh master information complete and notarized_____ Original scale certification information is completeEquipment Criteria:_____ Photograph of rod used _____ Length remaining stated if broken_____ Photograph of reel used_____ Photograph of gaff or net (if used)_____ Line sample submitted_____ Leader submitted if required_____ Photograph of plug/artifical lure submitted _____ Bait-rig submitted if usedTime Limit:_____ Application meets time limit rule _____ Just Cause claim submitted if noScale Requirements:_____ Photograph of scale submitted _____ Scale re-certification done /submitted_____ Photograph of fish on scale incl. _____ Photograph of scale reading incl._____ Rule 4; Photograph of scale contrivance if used, included_____ Rule 4; signed and notarized statement included_____ Weight scaler affidavit signed_____ Scale Certification information includedFish Measurement:_____ Photograph of fish measurement included _____ Fish length legal for water?_____ Signed and notarized statement of girth measurement included if necessaryPhotograph Requirements:_____ Photograph of Angler beside the fish is included and meets requirements_____ Fish identification statement included if necessary due to photo or hybrid_____ Additional photographs of hybrid muskellunge are included_____ Negative type film was used (see photograph requirement rule #1)Possession of Fish:_____ Rule 1 has been complied with, or _____ Rule 2 has been complied with_____ Species certification, re-weighing and stomach contents statement incl._____ Scale sample and cleithral bone has been collected and submittedFollow-up Questions:_____ Was equipment rule #6 (gaff or net) complied with?_____ Were catch rules 1, 2, 3, and 4 adhered to?_____ Were any of disqualification points 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 violated?Send completed Application to:International Muskellunge Record Review Committee,17805 57th Avenue,Chippewa Falls, WI 54729