A new benchmark in Connecticut freshwater fishing has been set. On June 21, 2025, Norbert “Norbie” Samok of Westchester County, New York, landed a massive 58.05-pound common carp from Lake Zoar, rewriting the state’s record books. Officially confirmed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the catch now stands as the largest freshwater fish ever recorded in the state.
Samok, a dedicated tournament angler, was fishing a remote, boat-access-only section of Lake Zoar at around 3 a.m. when the carp struck. Using a specially flavored boilie bait, he hooked into the fish and fought to keep it clear of submerged hazards before successfully landing it. The carp measured 44.8 inches and was safely released after it was weighed and verified.
“It’s a mammoth of a common carp,” said DEEP Supervising Fisheries Biologist Mike Beauchene in a statement to CT Insider.
What makes this moment even more remarkable is that the previous state carp record had been set just weeks earlier. On June 1, Rafal Wlazlo caught a 45-pound, 8-ounce common carp from Lake Lillinonah. That record-breaking catch stood for only three weeks before being surpassed by Samok. In a twist of fate, Wlazlo was present at Lake Zoar when Samok’s carp was landed and offered his congratulations, saying, “From one champ to another.”
Lake Zoar, a 10-mile-long reservoir along the Housatonic River, stretches through Monroe, Newtown, Oxford, and Southbury. Known for its deep waters and limited shore access, the lake has become increasingly popular among anglers seeking trophy-sized carp. Samok’s catch solidifies its reputation as one of Connecticut’s premier carp fishing destinations.
The Connecticut Fish & Wildlife division highlighted the achievement on social media, posting:
“Congrats to Norbert Samok who landed this 58.05 pound 44.8 inch Common Carp on June 21 from Lake Zoar. This fish smashes all previous CT state records and is the largest freshwater fish ever recorded in our Trophy Fish Award Program.”
The rise of carp fishing in the Northeast has mirrored broader trends across the country. Once dismissed by traditional sport anglers, common carp are now drawing serious attention for their sheer size, hard fights, and catch-and-release potential. The DEEP has recognized this shift, actively supporting the growth of carp fishing through conservation programs and public outreach.
Samok’s record-breaking carp not only marks a personal milestone—it’s a symbol of the sport’s evolution in the region. With two state record carp caught just weeks apart, Connecticut has become a prime destination for dedicated carp anglers. The state’s freshwater fisheries are proving they can produce fish that compete with the best in the country.
Samok has expressed pride not only in the catch but in the growing popularity and legitimacy of carp fishing in the United States. His record-setting fish has added momentum to a sport that’s long been underappreciated but is now rapidly gaining ground among serious freshwater anglers.
As carp fishing continues to trend upward and more anglers take to Connecticut’s waters in search of trophy catches, the bar has now been raised—both literally and figuratively. With the current record sitting at over 58 pounds, there’s no telling how high it might go next.
Image/Source: OnTheWater