Man from Hoosick Falls catches new state record fish
Longnose gar is third state record fish caught this year
WASHINGTON COUNTY, N.Y.» A man from Hoosick Falls recently caught a new state record fish from Lake Champlain in Washington County, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos recently announced that a new state record fish – the third this year – was caught in August, breaking a longstanding record for longnose gar. Officials said 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.
According to a news release, the catch broke the 1999 New York State record by more than 1½ pounds.
“Fishing is better than ever in New York State, and Mr. Gatus’ noteworthy catch is a great example of the world-class angling opportunities our state has to offer,” Seggos said in the release. “Whether it’s bass, trout, or lesser-known species like longnose gar, New York has something for everyone when it comes to fishing.”
Officials said Gatus was actually fishing for channel catfish in Lake Champlain’s South Bay in Whitehall when he bested the state record.
Evolutionarily speaking, officials said 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. ara plain, tario, utaries Gatus Lawrence River, and eastern to submitted these the Lake River, larger Lake waters. Cham- Niag- trib- On- details to ment DEC’s of Awards his Angler winning Program, Achieve- catch 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. Gatus’ gar joins William Wightman’s 4 lb., 1 oz. black crappie caught from Lake Flavia, Cattaraugus County, on May 6 and Brian Hartman’s 18 lb., 2 oz. walleye caught from the St. Lawrence River on May 5 as new state records set this year
For additional information on the Angler Achievement Awards Pro- gram, call (518) 402- 8891 or email f wfish@ dec. ny.gov.