06-30-2009, 11:10 AM
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (June 26, 2009) - Angler Terry McConnell of Toccoa, Georgia had more than just a great day of fishing on Lake Richard B. Russell on April 3, 2009 - he managed to catch a fish that tied a Georgia state record! McConnell reeled in a 63 lbs., 49 ½ -inch striped bass using a blueback herring on a baitcast rod, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. This catch ties the current striped bass state record, which was caught from the Oconee River in 1967.
"It is always exciting for anyone to reel in a state record as it reminds us that Georgia is such a fantastic place for anglers because there are so many fishing opportunities and resources available," says WRD Fisheries Management Chief John Biagi. "We hope that the recognition of this new state record will inspire experienced and novice anglers to get out and fish at any one of Georgia's numerous lakes and rivers. You might not catch a new state record, but odds are you will still have a great day of fishing."
Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) belong to the temperate bass family. They have seven or eight heavy and distinct black stripes that run the length of their body. They can reach weights of up to 80 pounds(current all tackle world record is 67 lbs. 8 oz., according to the International Game Fish Association) but most are between 5 and 25 pounds. Division Fisheries Management personnel stocked 1 ½ millionstriped bass in Georgia rivers and reservoirs for angler enjoyment during the past year.
Information about state record fish can be found on the WRD website at www.gofishgeorgia.com or in the Sport Fishing Regulations Guidebook available at all WRD offices and all license agents.
Make plans now for your fishing trip, and don't forget to introduce someone new to fishing! For more information about fishing opportunities in Georgia, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com or call a WRD Fisheries Management Office (office contact information can be found online).
(1967 Record Fish)
Media Contact
Melissa Cummings, Georgia DNR Communications/Outreach (770) 918-6788 or melissa.cummings@dnr.state.ga.us
"It is always exciting for anyone to reel in a state record as it reminds us that Georgia is such a fantastic place for anglers because there are so many fishing opportunities and resources available," says WRD Fisheries Management Chief John Biagi. "We hope that the recognition of this new state record will inspire experienced and novice anglers to get out and fish at any one of Georgia's numerous lakes and rivers. You might not catch a new state record, but odds are you will still have a great day of fishing."
Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) belong to the temperate bass family. They have seven or eight heavy and distinct black stripes that run the length of their body. They can reach weights of up to 80 pounds(current all tackle world record is 67 lbs. 8 oz., according to the International Game Fish Association) but most are between 5 and 25 pounds. Division Fisheries Management personnel stocked 1 ½ millionstriped bass in Georgia rivers and reservoirs for angler enjoyment during the past year.
Information about state record fish can be found on the WRD website at www.gofishgeorgia.com or in the Sport Fishing Regulations Guidebook available at all WRD offices and all license agents.
Make plans now for your fishing trip, and don't forget to introduce someone new to fishing! For more information about fishing opportunities in Georgia, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com or call a WRD Fisheries Management Office (office contact information can be found online).
(1967 Record Fish)
Media Contact
Melissa Cummings, Georgia DNR Communications/Outreach (770) 918-6788 or melissa.cummings@dnr.state.ga.us