A fisherman from Hilton, New York, has landed a record-breaking longnose gar, a species often referred to as a “living dinosaur,” according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Chuck Zimmerman, a Monroe County resident, reeled in the 15-pound, 14-ounce gar from Butterfield Lake in Jefferson County on June 21st.
The DEC announced the record-setting catch, noting that longnose gar are commonly found in the St. Lawrence River, the Niagara River, Lake Champlain, and eastern Lake Ontario. Zimmerman’s impressive catch qualified him for the DEC’s Angler Achievement Awards Program, which recognizes outstanding catches and establishes state records.
“From the Hudson River to the St. Lawrence River, Lake George to Chautauqua Lake, New York waterways support strong, healthy fish populations and provide world-class fishing opportunities for anglers of every level,” said NYSDEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. “DEC congratulates Mr. Zimmerman on an impressive catch and encourages all anglers to take advantage of the state’s plentiful fishing opportunities in the hopes they too can catch a new state record or other Angler Achievement Award when they cast their next line.”
Image/Source: MSN
