elephanthead
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De-liers
Something I've always wondered. Time after time I read reports stating we got X amount of fish, the biggest being approx 11-12 lbs,the rest in the 7-9 lb range. (just an example). I carry a digital scale with me cause what looks to be 7-9lbs. turns out to be 5-6 and one you'd think went over 10lbs. didn't crack 9. Happens all the time. It's not that I'm bad at guessing weights etc. but looks can and are decieving. Does anyone else wonder about this??? The few times I've posted weights they are on the money not wild guesses. Just my observations.
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SilverKype
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I remember fishing one run one time that fish were much larger than ever before. If everyone carried a scale, they'd see most Erie fish are 4-5 pounds. 7-8 is a really nice fish. 10 is not a norm. Any bigger you got a trophy. Up around 15, you got a rarity. The guys that put in their time will get a 14-15 pound fish every few years. Take the reports with a grain of salt. It can be entertaining however. 
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tommybanzai
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someone else decided to post about this before me.... everyone seems to have calibrated arms on the streams it seems 
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jknepp11111
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I have cought mostly 5-8 pounders but I have cought one that was 32 inches and 12 pounds it was the bigest fish I have ever cought. have fun
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Bughawk
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I would agree that most people over estimate the weight of the fish. The length is usually a good indication of weight. Once you get past the 29" range you are starting to talk about a good size fish in the 8 to 10 pound range. The 30 to 32" range will usually weigh in around 9 to 12 pounds. There are other considerations such as whether the fish has dropped her eggs, if it is an exceptionally long and narrow fish, etc..., but generally if you get a fish that is over 30" it is going to be a good size fish.
Having said that, I would expect the average fish is between 24 to 27", with quite a few in the 22 to 25" range. These fish are as already stated are in the 4 to 6 pound range. Still nice fish, but not trophies.
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Dream Catcher
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I love my rapala digital scale paid $24 and use it when I believe I have a fish over 10lbs sorry to say only 2 last year niether was over 10 8.5-9 < none this year. Most of the big guys probably broke off! However what bothers me is when anglers use length for their measurements it does not tell the tale . Weight is the only way to go. When I read those reports I always shave atleast 2-3 lbs off what they say they caught unless they mention a digital scale They are hard to estimate .... Try it yourself estimate & use the deliar. I'm good with striped bass with in a 1/2lb 90%A of the time. With trout I'm usually off by 1.5 lbs ???? Go figure
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ShutUpNFish 
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You ever watch those bass fishing shows, and the guy holds up what clearly looks to be about a two to three pounder, but the guy almost always says "Oh yeah, thats a nice five or six pound bass right there!"? Kinda like the same thing here...if fishermen are not using an accurate scale or tape, they are almost always going to exaggerate weights and lengths of fish caught. Its not enough that they caught a nice fish, but it often seems some guys have to make 'em bigger and better than they actually are. I really don't care to weigh steelhead period unless I feel they may surpass 10lbs. If you have caught enough of them, you can usually tell the ones that are in the double digits in weight right away. You can certainly bet that 10+ pounders do not come a dime a dozen either. Not even on our Erie tribs.
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Carpet Bagger
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Takes a mighty big walleye to go over 10lbs.....Those digital scales might read 10lbs but that dont mean squat till you put it on a certified scale....Be amazed how many of those 10lb fish turn into 8.5 or 9lb (WHICH IS NO SMALL WALLEYE BY ANY MEANS) but you need that extra girth out of a 32" to go over 10... 12lbs is just a monster. 32+" in length and a huge girth...seen quite a few of them from the port clinton area.... Had one last year swore up and down it was over 10lbs...Brought it in 9lbs 13oz 32.75" one of the bigger fish ive caught around walnut creek... Its not really lying...its more of human error..just a 9lb fish is pretty impressive to see on a day when you average fish is 3-5lbs...you really do get caught up in the moment....Sometimes over estimating your accomplishment...i think we all do it...thats why they have those scales at Walnut...to humble you back down...lol Generally speaking 30-32 i guesstimate around 8-9lbs 26-29 5-8lbs 22-25 3-5lbs
post edited by Carpet Bagger - 2008/02/12 12:21:06
CB I never thought I'd say this, but I love my Sport-Craft!
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Fishtamer
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I've found that most fish don't weigh near what they are guesstimated at. Usually weigh just over 1/2 of estimated amount.
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MuskyMastr
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Musky fishing is the same way...I have seen a lot of 22 lbers get stretched to 30. I did however get to see my dads 47.5 lb on the scale..........
Better too far back, than too far forward.
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swinger
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Dont go hanging any steelie from a scale by the gill plate or head for that matter unless you plan on keeping it. I dont want to hear how they all swim away just fine because that doesnt mean anything. Very stressful on the fish.
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Grendel
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People just get so excited about their catch that there may be a bit of exaggeration going on. In my opinion; so what if they do? They are having fun and are happy. Who hasn't stretched things a bit from time to time? Happy people equate to return trips and more money generated. Who really cares how big the fish are that other people catch? Life is too short and bitter to rain on anyone's parade.
Doc
The strength of a person isn't measured by the muscle in their arm or how tall they stand, but rather, by the amount of knowledge and area of versatility they can cover. CM ~ 1987 Not a fan of Burgh teams. Get over it...
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Dream Catcher
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Why do you have to go there ??? Many folks know how to handle a fish without causing it harm .Do you? Do you cut the line when your hook is devoured ? Do you wet your hands before you touch the flesh? To you revive them ? When is your fish handling class going to be schedule me in & I'll show you how resilient these fish are they aren't liberal california fish they're tough working class mutt steelhead DUDE. Not native brookies. To scale / release without damaging the gills 10 seconds tops. If I can pullem from 70ft of water in 90 degree weather & they swim away they are one tough cookie.
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elephanthead
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When keeping fish we always weigh on a certified scale at home (for the journal). Bout the only time I weigh a fish on the stream is when I really feel that fish may go over 10lbs. Usually weigh in a net and subtract the weight of the net. And if not a citation it gets to swim another day. If a citation it gets bonked! None bonked this past year. As for eyes one week a 31 incher was 10.2 lbs and the next week brother got a 30 incher that went 11.4 That's why you never know till you de-lie it. Have seen some folks fishing next to me hold up a fish and say a 10lber, I don't whip out the digital and burst their bubble, they have a right to, in the words of a wise and famous board member, DREAM ON.......
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Grendel
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Every fish I catch is 10 lbs. Regardless if it is a Perch or it is a Musky. Will catch a 10 lb. trout at the Erie Show this year...who cares?
Doc
The strength of a person isn't measured by the muscle in their arm or how tall they stand, but rather, by the amount of knowledge and area of versatility they can cover. CM ~ 1987 Not a fan of Burgh teams. Get over it...
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swinger
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Dreamcatcher I had to go there to inform anybody who doesnt know. Since it sounds like you know what you are doing  why are you so upset? Hey you say these fish are tough so they are tough. Lets do any and everything possible to try and hurt them. Now does that sound like a good idea DUDE?
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tommybanzai
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ORIGINAL: Bughawk
I would agree that most people over estimate the weight of the fish. The length is usually a good indication of weight. Once you get past the 29" range you are starting to talk about a good size fish in the 8 to 10 pound range. The 30 to 32" range will usually weigh in around 9 to 12 pounds. There are other considerations such as whether the fish has dropped her eggs, if it is an exceptionally long and narrow fish, etc..., but generally if you get a fish that is over 30" it is going to be a good size fish.
Having said that, I would expect the average fish is between 24 to 27", with quite a few in the 22 to 25" range. These fish are as already stated are in the 4 to 6 pound range. Still nice fish, but not trophies.
i'd agree with that
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Dream Catcher
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I guess you have a point ; in regards to folks that kick them back in the water however ; sorta like grendel stated life to short to take anyone else's personal inventories but our own.
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swinger
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Hefalump
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I can't estimate the weight for beans... I slide the fish over to shore, keep it in the water, pull out my digital camera, put the rod and reel next to the fish, take it's picture, remove the fly and release it.
post edited by Hefalump - 2008/02/12 14:35:57
Attached Image(s)
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tommybanzai
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Wally Cat
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Only had one fish on the scale this past winter that hit 14+ pounds and it wasn't mine. What a beauty!
Enjoy Life, Be Happy, Go Fish - Often! "God has blessed America - may He continue to do so, even though we are not worthy of it". Author..... Wally Cat
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Bughawk
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A 14 + lb fish is a monster.
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ShutUpNFish
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For me, the fish were definitely bigger last year. However, I do agree that we should do our best to take care of the fish we plan on releasing. Fish that we plan on releasing should really never see a net, Boga or any other landing tool. And when holding them up for a photo, the fish's weight should be supported under the belly. Or simply snap a shot like this...Then kick 'em back into the sea!!! Just kidding  
post edited by ShutUpNFish - 2008/02/12 16:31:01
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Bughawk
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There is nothing wrong with using your foot to guide a fish back into the water. I do it all the time. I rarely touch a fish. Basically, I bring the fish to shore on gravel is possible, reach down and remove the hook and guide the fish back into the water with my foot.
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qsbill
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How quick we forget that all we fished for were stocked 8-12in. fish when I was a kid in Elk Creek. You got a 20+in. lake run, it was something to rave about!!! The suckers were larger than most of the trout.
Be happy for the fish we have, no matter how big, enjoy the day!
Tight lines.
Bill
ps: my favorite fish is still in the lake, bring on the "Cats" to Elk Creek:>)))
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elephanthead
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Amazing how a thread can turn.
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Carpet Bagger
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ORIGINAL: elephanthead
Amazing how a thread can turn.
That is the beauty of 50% of the threads on this forum...
CB I never thought I'd say this, but I love my Sport-Craft!
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Banananastix4
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We have a digtal on our boat,I'll give it 90%acc. A good formula to get arel close weight is length of fish times girth squared divided by 800 give it a try.
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Hefalump
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Hey ShutUpNFish,
How can I post a picture with my replies or posts? I tried and it did not work... not exactly the brightest with this stuff. Any help would be great.
Nice pic of the fish you caught!
Mike
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