Oklahoma fishing guide Bryan Baker has broken his own world record by landing a massive 118-pound, 10-ounce bighead carp at Grand Lake. The catch tops his previous 2023 record by seven ounces and underscores his ongoing mission to combat invasive species in local waters.
Baker, who operates Spoonbill Wreckers Guide Service, made headlines two years ago with his original record-breaking catch. Since then, he has removed 77 bighead carp from Grand Lake as part of a personal and ecological effort to reduce their impact.
The bighead carp, an invasive species native to Asia, was introduced in the 1970s to manage algae in wastewater treatment ponds. However, the fish have since spread rapidly across the Midwest, disrupting native ecosystems. According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), these carp outcompete native species for food and space, posing a serious threat to local fish populations.
ODWC advises that bighead carp should never be released back into the water. Instead, they recommend reporting catches to help researchers and conservationists better manage the species’ spread.
Baker’s latest record is more than just a personal achievement — it highlights the environmental importance of angler involvement in conservation. By targeting and removing invasive carp, he contributes directly to the health of Oklahoma’s waterways.
For more information on how to identify and report invasive species, visit the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website.
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