Western basin fish size

[Domers98]

On our trip this summer we had a ton of throw backs, and i have read about people haveing a bunch on throwbacks, i am assuming thos fish will grow to legal size for next year? also how much will an eye shrink in the live well? we threw back probably 10 that were 16 1/8 because were were worried about getting a ticket if they shrunk...any info is appreciated, last summer was really our first time on our own on erie and we are trying to build our knowledge for next year..

thanks!

[ReelTime]

Not sure how much they will shrink but for sure will not shrink 1 1/8 inches down to 15 inches.

[Domers98]

typo i meant 15 1/8

[Eyezcrazy]

I really have not noticed any shrinkage in the cooler, but if so it would be minimal, certainly not 1 1/8 inches. Legal is 15 inches so you would be more than safe with your 16 1/8 fish.

On one occasion we had a very slow day and kept some 15 in fish. we were checked at the dock by the DNR and they found 1 fish that they said was 1/4 inch short, I disagreed. Funny thing is 2 of them measured that fish 6 times to decide. I ask them to give me a break because if they couldn't decide the measurement on dry land imagine us measuring in 4 ft waves. I lost the argument and paid the fine. I now never keep anything under 16 inches.

[wayne johnson]

we keep nothing less than 15.5 they will shrink a 1/2 if in cooler all day. Reel Sport team