During the afternoon (before discovering the news article) I talked with ranger Hostinsky. Later, another crappie fisherman talked to her after reading the article. Here's the sum of what he and I gathered.
Ms. Hostinsky told both of us that she measured this fish at 22"...and it was one of several citation-size fish (assorted species) landed by the unnamed fisherman. She helped the fisherman complete the citation registration form, but the park does not have a certified scale, so the citation will be limited to length. She did not understand the DGIF rules for "Angler of the Month", "Angler of the Year", and state record. All three require the angler to submit a weight certification. To be considered for a state record, the weigh-in must be witnessed by a game warden or other DGIF employee. Unless the angler received better advice after leaving the park, the fish was never weighed.
My friend asked Ms. Hostinsky about the 2014 newspaper article. She said she maintains copies of all her reports. She checked that one and said it didn't mention anything about 22 inch crappie. She said that the editor of the paper must have altered her report.
She told both of us that she took a picture with her cell phone. Maybe we'll get a copy & be able to speculate about the weight.
