The state’s paddlefish fishing season has just begun, but new records are already being set.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri — Anglers at Lake of the Ozarks caught a world record catch Sunday, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).
According to the MDC website, Chad Williams of Olathe, Kansas, was fishing with a group of anglers for his first hookup experience when he caught the record-setting paddlefish. Hooking, or using a sharp hook on the fishing line to pierce the flesh of the fish from the outside, is one of the main ways to catch paddlefish, as the fish are not attracted to the bait.
“Luckily, I was invited to go out with some friends,” Williams told MDC. “I’ve never been hooked before. I’ve never seen a paddlefish and didn’t even know what they were!”
According to officials, Williams caught a huge 164-pound, 13-ounce halibut shortly after the fishing session began.
“It was taking so long to reel that I thought I was very weak. My body was hurting,” Williams said. “To be honest, I’m still processing all of this.”
This record was proven to have been broken by MDC officials. Williams reportedly distributed some of the halibut’s meat to a group of fishermen, and he and his wife kept the rest.
“Tyler Brown from the conservation group was in disbelief that this was the first time I’d ever snagged one,” Williams said. Nothing beats this! ” And he is probably right! ”
The paddlefish fishing season runs from March 15th to April 30th. Click here for more information.
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