There is certainly nothing wrong with a good replica either. A skin mount is going to deteriorate over time....I don't care what you do to it, it's going to deteriorate. A skin mount is still put over a form and still painted, so they're not as much different as people may think. Who wants a mount that looks like crap 20 years from now? Now that's a waste in my opinion.
He'd choke
That is definately a fish of a lifetime. Congrats to the lucky angler! At 51 inches it would take an awfully girthy fish to hit the 37 lb mark. Would be hard for a spawned out fish to do that. Ahabs estimate looks right IMO.
Makes one wonder with all the smelt and bait swimming around Sak these days how many giant pike are swimming those waters. I love me some giant pike.
If that northern's measurements are correct,can it be considered a state record?
So modern chemistry (silicone-based preservation fluids, etc.) haven't improved on the longevity much? That really surprises me. I have no knowledge in this area - just curious.
Im not positive on this but I would think state records have to be weighed on certified scales .
Holy moly now that is a mushky
Heard a fish story in Yates about guy who had a true monster pike. Can't remember the details, all I remember is that had that fish been weighed right away, it would've been state record.