Bullhead Breaks PA State Record

Harrisburg, PA – A brown bullhead catfish caught in Carbon County’s Beltzville Lake has been certified as the new Pennsylvania state record.

Ian Radler of Palmerton, Carbon County, caught the four pound, ten ounce fish on the evening of Aug. 22, 2011. Radler was fishing for catfish near the Trachsville Bridge using cut bait. His catch exceeds the previous record by 6 ounces. That fish was caught in 1983 by Eddie Lasorda while fishing at Marsh Creek Lake in Chester County.

The Fish and Boat Commission certifies state records based on total body weight. Potential record fish must exceed the established mark by at least 2 ounces, as weighed on a certified scale. To be considered for state record certification, a fish must be caught using legal means, in season, from Pennsylvania waters open to the public, and without charge or fee. Fish taken from farm ponds, fee-fishing lakes, ponds or streams or in waters restricted to use by club members or their guests do not qualify. Staff from the PFBC must examine the fish.

The PFBC is the only entity that can certify an official state record fish in the Commonwealth. Complete rules and application are available on the Commission’s website at: http://fishandboat.com/strecord.htm.

The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at fishandboat.com.

Source: PA Fish and Boat Commission.