Out & About
Japan angler bags world record bass
OUTCATCH – It’s official! After nearly six months of waiting for record keepers to make their decision, a 22-pound, 4-ounce largemouth bass caught in Japan was declared on Friday to be a world record – tying the legendary record caught 77 years ago by George Perry in Georgia’s Montgomery Lake.
The International Game Fish Association recognized Manabu Kurita, 32, of Japan as a “dual holder” for the All-Tackle record for largemouth bass.
Kurita caught the lunker northeast of Kyoto in Lake Biwa – Japan’s largest lake – on July 2.
IGFA officials said they took longer than normal to verify the record to sort through controversy and administer a polygraph test to the man who landed the holy grail of freshwater fishing.
New video explains OHV registration
OUTREACH – Idaho is using YouTube to help explain how to register and license off-highway vehicles.
A video – available free on the Internet – has been produced to explain the somewhat complicated requirements and costs.
Generally, all motorbikes, ATVs and specialty off-highway vehicles, such as dune buggies, should be registered each year at Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation offices or partner vendors.
Registration fees for OHVs are $12 in 2010, an increase of $2 earmarked for OHV-related law enforcement and projects, also explained on the video.
OHVers who ride on city or county roads also must purchase a restricted license plate. The plates cost $3 and are valid for seven years.
The video is posted on three sites:
•IDPR, parksandrecreation. idaho.gov
•Idaho OHV, stayontrails.com.
•YouTube, tinyurl.com/ IdahoOHV
Biologist to give grouse update
What: Program on sage and sharptail grouse recovery in Eastern Washington.
When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Who: By Mike Atamian, Washington Fish and Wildlife Department wildlife biologist.
Where: Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook St. (new site for Spokane Audubon Society monthly meetings).
Other attractions: Spokane Auduboners are selling 2010 calendars featuring local bird photos by local photographers as well as “Bird Songs of the Pacific Northwest,” a five-CD set. The club regularly leads birdwatching outings, such as the February trip to find wintering snowy owls.
Info: 928-5696.
Fly fisher pegs Yellowstone waters
What: Program on “Underfished and Overlooked Waters of Yellowstone.”
Who: By Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone, Mont., and fly tying and fly fishing author.
When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Where: St. Francis School, 1104 W. Heroy.
Other attractions: Spokane Fly Fishers offer winter fly tying classes for members.
Info: 924-9462.