Rensselaer County Angler Catches State Record Fish
The New York State DEC has announced that a new state record fish was caught in the month of August.
"Michael Gatus, of Hoosick Falls, caught a 14 lb., 10 oz., Longnose gar from Lake Champlain in Washington County on Aug. 18 using chunk bait. The catch broke the 1999 New York State record by more than 1½ pounds.
Evolutionary speaking, Longnose gar are considered living dinosaurs. Their long, needle-like snout is filled with rows of teeth, making them unmistakable from any other fish species. Longnose gar are commonly found in shallow weedy areas and are often found swimming near the water's surface. In New York, longnose gar are found primarily in the St. Lawrence River, Niagara River, Lake Champlain, eastern Lake Ontario, and the larger tributaries to these waters.
Gatus submitted details of his winning catch to DEC's Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state record fish. Through this program, anglers can enter freshwater fish that meet specific qualifying criteria and receive official recognition of their catch and a distinctive lapel pin commemorating the achievement. Three categories make up the program: Catch & Release, Annual Award, and State Record."
Read more about Longnose Gar here