New State Record Black Bullhead Catfish

Imagine yourself out on the water, just enjoying a nice day on the water and maybe catching a few fish.  Nothing crazy, just enough to keep your attention and make you a little happier.  Then BOOM!  All heck breaks loose and you've got a big fish on the line that you weren't expecting.  You land the fish and instantly know that this thing needs to go on a scale.  Then, you start to research what the state record is and low and behold, it could be you.  It's not that uncommon folks.  It happens.  It has actually happened eight times this year in Missouri so far.  Now it is likely that none of those fishermen/fisherwomen expected to go out and catch a state record.  What is reasonable to assume is that they either knew or quickly learned the process for getting a state record verified.  Look at it this way, would you rather know what to do with a potential state record fish or would you rather miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime due to ignorance?  I, for one, wouldn't want to miss out on such an incredible honor and recognition.

Link: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/mdc-announces-new-state-record-black-bullhead-catfish