Upstate, New York Angler Smashes NYS Fishing Record

What's the biggest fish you've ever caught? Did it break any records?

One man in Upstate New York can answer that question confidently with a big old, YES!

Upstate NY Man Smashes Fishing Record

The Department of Environmental Conservation shared exciting news for one Upstate New York angler.

According to a social media post, a man named Chuck Zimmerman of Hilton, New York broke a fishing record-smashing "the 2018 state record by over a pound." The post explains that Zimmerman "hooked into a monster longnose gar on Butterfield Lake in Jefferson County while fishing with friends for their annual week-long trip."

So what are the measurements on this bad boy? The DEC reports 53 inches and weighed in at 15 pounds 14 ounces. To quote the DEC "oh my GAR-D!"

Congratulations, Chuck!

Catch a Living Dinosaur in New York State

Did you know there are "living dinosaurs" in New York State? Sort of, well at least according to the DEC.

In the shared post about the record-breaking longnose gar, the DEC explains that longnose gar, along with surgeons, "are considered living dinosaurs so we’re fortunate to have them still swimming in our waters today."

They add that the longnose gar is found in "shallow weedy areas" and are usually found swimming near the surface of the water.

You can find longnose gar primarily in the St. Lawrence River, Niagara River, Lake Champlain, eastern Lake Ontario, and the larger tributaries to these waters.

Successful Bass Fishing Season Across the Region

Every year once bass fishing season gets underway, The Wolf radio station hosts a contest called Show Us Your Bass. It gives anglers the opportunity to show off their catches with a chance to win a big prize.

Size doesn't matter, so there are no record smashers here like Chuck Zimmerman. However, this year's Show Us Your Bass winner was Adam Fitzpatrick of Rhinebeck. Who shared a picture of him and his young son after a fishing contest in Gardiner.

Family and fishing, does it get any better? Check out all of The Wolf Show Us Your Bass entries throughout the years below: