May 05, 2017
By Game & Fish Online Staff
There might be a run on nightcrawlers at bait stores in New York after a report this week of a new state record catfish being caught.
Eric Scordo of Watertown broke the state record for channel catfish by more than two pounds. (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation image)
With his hook baited with a nightcrawler, Eric Scordo of Watertown broke the state record for channel catfish by more than two pounds, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation .
The 35-pound, 3-ounce, 38 ¼-inch fish was caught April 29 at Lake Ontario (Jefferson County ); the previous record was caught in 2002 out of Brant Lake in Warren County.
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Channel catfish are the largest members of the catfish species that live in New York and can be found statewide. They feed primarily on the bottom and are most easily caught using live bait such as worms or baitfish. When hooked, catfish can provide a challenge for even the most experienced anglers. They are also one of the tastiest freshwater fish. — Â New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
"Mr. Scordo's record-breaking channel catfish is a prime example of the outstanding fishing opportunities in New York for a variety of species, not just popular gamefish," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a news release. "This new record kicks off the 2017 freshwater fishing season, and I encourage all New Yorkers to buy their license, pick up a rod and reel, and try their hand at hooking a trophy catch in any of the state's 7,500 lakes and ponds and 70,000 miles of rivers and streams."
Channel catfish are the largest catfish species in New York and can be found statewide.
[Channel cats] feed primarily on the bottom and are most easily caught using live bait such as worms or baitfish. When hooked, catfish can provide a challenge for even the most experienced anglers. They are also one of the tastiest freshwater fish.
Scordo submitted his catch in DEC's Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state record fish. Anglers can enter freshwater fish that meet specific qualifying criteria and receive official recognition of their catch.
There are three categories: Catch & Release, Annual Award, and State Record.
For additional information on the Angler Achievement Awards Program call (518) 402-8891 or email fwfish@dec.ny.gov .
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