The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports that angler Shane Doherty of Fort Scott, Kan., set the first fishing state-record of 2016 by catching a 2-pound-2-ounce gizzard shad measuring 19 and 13/16 inches. Doherty caught the fish by pole and line on Jan. 8 at a private strip pit in Vernon County. The previous pole-and-line record for gizzard shad was 1-pound, 14 ounces set in 2015.
The gizzard shad travels in large, constantly moving schools near the water’s surface and frequently leaps clear of the water or skips along the surface on its side, earning it the common name “skipjack.” Learn more about the gizzard shad by visiting MDC’s online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/node/4470.Missouri’s State Record Fish program recognizes an angler’s top achievement, catching the biggest fish of that species in state history. Anglers who have fish that meet that criteria are awarded a plaque and will be entered onto the state-record fishing list. For more on state-record fish, visit MDC’s website at on.mo.gov/1S64jH6.
Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish. Visit MDC’s website at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing to learn more about fishing permits, regulations, where to fish, and much more. – See more at: http://www.thefishingwire.com/story/366070#sthash.KNE5VlHz.dpuf