Hold out the fish it makes it longer
I read an article a few years back about a 36" eye. If there are 36"ers I don't see how there can't be 40"ers. C&R big fish so they can get huge. Here is a link to the article, the pictures don't look like a 36" fish in my opinion but that's what the article said. https://www.google.com/amp/s/articles.syracuse.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2015/08/was_monster_walleye_caught_and_released_on_hemlock_lake_a_state_record.amp
hey if you want to make a walleye bigger rub toilet paper on them !!!! it worked on my butt