Hello everyone, big news from New York’s fishing community! The state record for the largest longnose gar has just been shattered. On July 12, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced that Chuck Zimmerman from Hilton, Monroe County, set a new record.
Zimmerman caught this impressive longnose gar at Butterfield Lake in Jefferson County on June 21, 2024. The fish weighed in at a staggering 15 pounds, 14 ounces, surpassing the previous record by 1 pound and 4 ounces.
This remarkable catch was made using topwater swimbait, demonstrating the excellent fishing opportunities that New York’s waterways offer. Commissioner Mahar praised Zimmerman for his achievement and encouraged anglers to explore the state’s rich fishing spots, from the Hudson River to Lake George and beyond.
He highlighted that New York’s waters are home to robust fish populations, providing world-class fishing experiences for anglers at all levels.
For those unfamiliar, the longnose gar is an ancient fish species dating back to the Cretaceous Period, which started 145 million years ago.
These fascinating creatures are often referred to as “living dinosaurs” due to their long evolutionary history. Longnose gar are typically found in shallow, weedy areas close to the surface of the water in places like the St. Lawrence River, Niagara River, Lake Champlain, and eastern Lake Ontario.
Chuck Zimmerman’s catch has been submitted to the DEC’s Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state record fish.
To qualify for this program, anglers must submit entry forms within 30 days of their catch and ensure it meets all qualifying requirements and fishing regulations.
Zimmerman’s new record is a testament to the thriving fishing opportunities in New York’s waters. So, to all the anglers out there, grab your gear and see if you can set the next record! Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the world of fishing.
