On a Hot Streak: 4th Missouri State Record Eclipsed

Michael Williams' bowfished yellow bullhead is the latest Missouri state record.

State fishing records are falling at a fast rate in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Four new records have been set so far this year, including the alternative-methods mark for yellow bullhead broken recently by Michael Williams of Wappapello, Mo.

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The new record, taken with a bow on April 23 at Duck Creek in Bollinger County, weighed 2 pounds, 4 ounces, and more than doubled the previous record of 1-1 caught in 1993.

"2018 is off to a great start!" MDC Fisheries Programs Specialist Andrew Branson said in a news release. "This is the fourth state record we've had this year and I'm sure it won't be the last with this great weather we've been having."

The other three Missouri state records so far this year:

• River Redhorse: Maverick Yoakum, 10 pounds, 3 ounces (traditional method)
• Blue Sucker: Bryant Rackers, 9-1 (alternative method)
• Northern Hog Sucker: Richard Bradshaw (alternative method)

Williams' catch, which was verified on a certified scale in Puxico by MDC staff, measured 14.75 inches.

"Bullheads are a short, chubby catfish that seldom get bigger than 18 inches. They are nongame fish that are commonly used for bait," Branson said.

Missouri recognizes state fishing records in two categories — pole-and-line (traditional) and alternative methods. Alternative methods include archery, trotlines, snagging, spearfishing, gigging, grabbing and other similar tactics.

See more Missouri state record catches

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