Possible new World Record Walleye (spearfishing)

[appleye]

Was looking around on FB last evening and came across a photo of a 17lb walleye taken on 07/14/2018 from Lake DeSmet, WY. No information was given about the photo. This morning I see that the fish was taken with a spear gun and the person who harvested the fish did so because he believed it would beat the world record. The weight on a certified scale is 17.25 lbs and beats the old record by 3 lbs. If you would like to see the photo it's on the Lake Stop's FB page.

https://www.facebook.com/665096616957481/photos/a.672474839552992.1073741829.665096616957481/1317230375077432/?type=3&theater

[taxid]

Wouldn't that be illegal?

[appleye]

It's allowed in Wy. Must be completely under water

[fishinjohn]

That's possibly a state record but certainly NOT a world record
The NY state record was caught in may at 18.2lbs

[appleye]

http://www.iusarecords.com/ViewRecord.aspx?id=738

[ActiveTrapChecker]

Looks like there is a separate category for spear fishing, which would make it a world record.

[fishinjohn]

Looks like there is a separate category for spear fishing, which would make it a world record.

That makes sense..  my bad

[POk3s]

Not sure how I feel about this....

Actually, I'm sure how I feel about this, I'm just not sure I want to post it....

[fishinjohn]

Not sure how I feel about this....

Actually, I'm sure how I feel about this, I'm just not sure I want to post it....

We are probably on the same page

[SHaRPS]

Not sure how I feel about this....

Actually, I'm sure how I feel about this, I'm just not sure I want to post it....

I am actually wondering what your true feelings are. I spearfish in the Atlantic ocean so it made me wonder if you hunted also or if you only enjoyed fishing. No bashing here I am just wondering what your negative feelings are and if its specific to spearfisherman or the fact that its related to a world record.

[Spider1]

yeeeeup. I'm pretty much with sharps on this. Maybe if the guy speared it and then tried saying it was caught with a flyrod but there isn't anything wrong done here. But, since it is illegal to spearfish walleye in most states or even other countries walleyes swim in... I wonder how you could say it's a "world" record? Butt... I guess that's the way it goes.

[Raquettedacker]

Good for the spearfisherman.
He did every thing legal...
A fish that old, weather male or female is most likely dry and wont reproduced any more...  JMO......

[ActiveTrapChecker]

But, since it is illegal to spearfish walleye in most states or even other countries walleyes swim in... I wonder how you could say it's a "world" record? Butt... I guess that's the way it goes.

I would play devil's advocate and say that anyone who enjoys spearfishing (full disclosure, i have never been) can book a trip to waters where it's legal. Similar to those who game hunt outside their home state. Just my thoughts and personal views and in no way endorsed by MFF...

(sorry, i am a compliance officer by day)

[POk3s]

I am actually wondering what your true feelings are. I spearfish in the Atlantic ocean so it made me wonder if you hunted also or if you only enjoyed fishing. No bashing here I am just wondering what your negative feelings are and if its specific to spearfisherman or the fact that its related to a world record.

Hey Sharps,

I hunt far more than I fish. I enjoy everything about the outdoors and would probably love spear fishing. I just feel like it takes such skill to catch a walleye that big, especially one in Wyoming. We don't have an endless supply of Walleye here, or an endless supply of really any fish except rainbow trout. I can't say that if I caught a fish like that I wouldnt also be killing it to get it weighed and see if it was a record, but I also know that I always release the biggest of any species I catch for the next person, and because they're not good table fare anyways. I've been hearing stories for a couple years now of spear fisherman taking many walleye over 10 lbs. A very small percentage of Wyoming's already small walleye population. I assume this is growing in popularity because it's more like a trophy hunt than fishing.

Obviously there's no rule against it, and ethics is purely on an indivdual basis, but I would not be killing big walleye because I have a spear in my hand over a fishing pole....that's all. I think it's time game and fish looks at the lack of regulations it has in place for spear "fishing".

[taxid]

POk3s,

A taxidermist in Idaho I used to do business with told me once that walleye were thrown up on the bank in his area because they resembled a species know as "squawfish" which are not held in high regard. Is that the case? He's in the Bonner's Ferry area if that means anything.