George Chance of Festus has set a new world record after catching a massive 97-pound bighead carp from the Mississippi River. Chance was fishing for catfish with a bottom-bouncing crankbait when he hooked into the fish on March 19. Initially, he thought the fish could be a flathead based on how it was fighting. After around 20 minutes of fighting with the fish, he was able to get it onto the shore where he estimated it to be around 50-60 pounds.
Chance took the fish to a nearby recycling center to use their scale and found out that it was indeed a state record. However, what shocked him even more was that it was also a world record for bighead carp caught with a pole-and-line. This marks the third state record fish recorded for 2024 in Missouri, highlighting the need to manage invasive fish species like bighead carp.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages people to harvest carp as they can help remove them from Missouri waters. The department recognizes state record fish in two categories: pole-and-line and alternative methods like trotline, throwline, limb line, and more. For more information on state record fish and how to apply for recognition, visit the MDC website.
Chance plans to enjoy his catch by using it in his garden as fertilizer for tomatoes and cucumbers.
The previous pole-and-line state record was an 80-pound fish caught from the Lake of the Ozarks in 2004.
This catch is an excellent reminder that anglers can have an impact on managing invasive species in our waterways by following regulations and best practices while fishing.
Overall, this is an impressive feat achieved by George Chance and highlights the importance of responsible fishing practices in protecting our natural resources.
