"Yes, it means while it is not an official heaviest or longest fish it means that for the strength of the line you may have caught the heaviest for that line strength.  Like the state record is 61 pounds 8 ounces, lets say it was caught on 24 pound test line.  We have like a 58 pound fish and we caught it on 16 pound test.  You brought in a fish slightly smaller with much weaker fishing line."

He looks over at the fish.

"If it is recognized, you will be immortalized."

Suddenly he gets a look in his eye and says.

"Hey, you could potentially have a state record still.  They have state records for men, women and children under 10 10 to 14 and 14-17.  We gotta see."