Atkinson County fisherman Wesley Daniels landed a giant spotted sunfish while catfishing on the Suwannee River, tying Georgia’s state record. The hefty panfish weighed 12 ounces and measured 8 ½ inches, matching the record previously set by Jamie Boyette in June 2024 on the Ogeechee River.
Officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources confirmed the tie on Thursday, officially recognizing Daniels as a co-holder of the spotted sunfish record.
Daniels had been targeting catfish when the unexpected catch hit. Using a piece of shrimp for bait, he initially thought he had hooked a sizable catfish. “When he was pulled into the boat, there was a moment of disbelief,” Daniels told the DNR. “Nobody on board had ever seen a stumpknocker that large.”
Locally, spotted sunfish are often called “stumpknockers” due to their preference for lingering around submerged structures like stumps, rocks, and downed trees, where they feed on insects and small aquatic creatures. Despite their relatively small size, they are known to put up a spirited fight and can be caught using small spinners, topwater poppers, flies, or live bait such as worms and crickets.
Spotted sunfish are part of the broader sunfish family, commonly found throughout the Southeastern United States. Their name comes from the distinctive black spots that pattern their flanks, making them easy to identify compared to similar species like bluegill.
The Georgia DNR celebrated the accomplishment. “We are excited to have our first freshwater fish state record for 2025,” said Scott Robinson, Chief of Fisheries for the DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division. “Moments like these are a great reminder to get out on the water and enjoy the fishing opportunities Georgia has to offer.”
With fishing season heating up, stories like Daniels’ big catch are sure to inspire more anglers to try their luck across the state’s rivers and lakes.
Image/Source: OutdoorLife
