Master angler northern, no witness C&R Q?

[Nine Milly]

Howdy, I know there are a few local Kalamazoo area DNR guys on the forums. Today in Vicksburg I hooked into a Master angler northern but I had no witness and I released the beauty back into the lake. She measured at exactly 40 inches but I was fishing by myself and of course had no camera. I know the regulations for master angler require a C&R to be signed off by at least one witness. is there any way around this with ones good word? This was the third northern that I have landed at +40 inches, but the first that I have released. Master angler or not, it was a true pleasure to watch this giant fish swim back into the waters that I was previously unaware of held such game.

-Nine Milly,

[kroppe]

I suspect you would have to at least have a photo.

[Natlight]

Nice job on the fish.:) Sorry have no answer for you.

[treeman]

A picture is required for species identification. Without a witness, a fisheries biologist can confirm the catch for you.

[Mule Skinner]

Congrats on the monsters your catching. With this being your 3 rd Northern over 40 inches, Can you let me in on what your using :confused: bait/lure wise to catch these huge fish ?

Thanks

[Mister ED]

I learned the hard way ... always carry a camera!! I usually have our digital stuffed into my bag, but even a disposable would do. Although not needed I like to get that type of pic with a tape layed out above/below the fish ... even if it is not lined up exactly, it will still show a scale.

There are ways of getting around the signature .... but not the pic.

[waterfoul]

Yup, pic needed.