Hi, I'm new to this site, but I'm looking forward to posting some reports this year, mostly for beach fishing. The new California State record for rainbow trout was caught this past week at Santa Ana River Lakes(I think it was 24 pounds), and I was wondering what other people thought about a record fish being raised in a pen, dumped out of a truck in a hole like Santa Ana, caught the same day, and turned in for a record. For those of you who have never seen these mud holes, they sit right along side the 91 freeway in Tustin, and could hardly be called a lake. With a good cast, you can just about take the guys eye out across the lake from you. At least to me, something doesn't seem right about this. This lake advertised it was stocking the record, and people lined up around the block. I have nothing against fishing these pay for giant trout lakes, and I fish Lake Irvine some of the off season, but I think I would have a hard time turning one of these freak trout in for a record. Just wondering what other people thought about this.

Pretty darn hokey to me Joe. I concur totally with your view. If that trout was put in there as a rat and grew to that size, I'd respect it a lot more. Too bad there aren't wild trout that size here, like in Idaho. While I do like catching planters now and then, I think too many folks are way too serious about catching these fish. I think it's much more challenging to catch a wild fish (salt or fresh) on a live or artificial bait. You can bet the lake will promote the heck out of it though. If Irvine buys a larger fish and puts it in there, that SARL record could be broken just like that. Disclaimer: I'm not trying to be bag on anyone about what they fish for or how.

Don't worry about it bro. If the planter trout fishermen want to catch planter trouts, let em. That's why I personally fish for bass. It actually takes some skill to catch that record bass, not an ample supply of powerbait and a lot of time on your hands.
-Brian

I used to be more of a trout fisherman than anything, but the thrill of catching planted trout of any size just doesn't do much for me any more. I guess in a way I feel bad for the fish, living their entire well fed lives only to be caught on power goo and thrown on a stringer. I think it's a shame the record trout for California came like that, but what can you do? I'm sure it was very exciting for the angler who caught it.

I agree w/ you all, but the location is even weaker. I used to live a couple blocks from SARL and still pass it on my way to school. Who would ever want to pay to "fish" w/ the freeway on one side, warehouses on two sides, and a busy street on the fourth? Not me, I don't even like the harbors I fish, but at least it's open space. Then again if SARL was my only choice, maybe I'd fish there too.

Amish Ed

I think it is rediculous that fish out of these "pay" lakes should be considered for records. To me they are like amusement parks for fisherman. Anyone can pay money, stand in line, and get on a rollercoaster but not everyone can ski down a triple diamond ski run - while each is thrilling one takes skill, practice, and knowledge while the other doesn't take anything.

And I really wish that WON would stop wasting so many freakin' pages on these B.S. fish and lakes.

A few years ago I checked the world record for Green Sunfish and it was like a pound and a half. I'm sure if I got a young one from the Santa Ynez River and fed it like crazy for a few years in a decent sized tank I could grow one larger than that - would I be eligible for a world record? I would hope not! It's the same thing.