The Michigan Department of Natural Resources noted two new state-record fish last week when bowfishermen hauled in a record brown bullhead and black buffalo. (Maybe someone’s tomato plants will benefit as well?)
Jared Gusler, Fairview, Mich., was bowfishing in Alcona Pond in Alcona County on May 25 when he arrowed a 3.77-pound brown bullhead at 2 a.m. that measured 17.5 inches. (We would show a picture of it, but figure some people may have not eaten breakfast or lunch yet.)
The previous state-record brown bullhead was caught by Michael Kemp of Lansing, Mich., on Coldbrook Lake in Kalamazoo County on Sept. 2, 1989. That fish weighed 3.10 pounds and measured 17.5 inches.
Record fish No. 2 goes to Joshua Teunis, Grand Haven, Mich., who was bowfishing in Bear Lake in Muskegon County June 15 when he skewered a black buffalo fish at 1:45 a.m. that weighed 41.25 pounds and was 38.25 inches long.
The previous state-record black buffalo was caught by Bryan Degoede of Kalamazoo, Mich., on the Kalamazoo River in Allegan County on Sept. 5, 2012. That fish weighed 37.06 pounds and measured 39.25 inches.
The Michigan DNR says state records are recognized by weight only. To qualify for a state record, fish must exceed the current listed state record weight and identification must be verified by a DNR fisheries biologist.
“We’ve had 12 of Michigan’s 56 state-record fish beat in the past 10 years, which just goes to show you how outstanding the state’s fishing is right now,” said DNR Fisheries Division Chief Jim Dexter. “Start planning your next fishing trip to your favorite body of water – you just might CATCH the next state record!”
Well, or “ARROW” the next state record.
For more information on fishing or bowfishing in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing.
We applaud bowfishermen for all they do to rid the lakes, rivers, etc. of rough fish … do we have any bowfishermen out there who have arrowed some “big-uns?” Tell us about it. And do you ply the waters at night on a boat set-up for bowfishing?
(Photo/information courtesy of the Michigan DNR)