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The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed that a carp taken by Adam Faatz of Hawthorne, NJ, while bowfishing is officially a new state record.

Mr. Faatz was targeting carp from his boat at night on Greenwood Lake on May 19, 2014, when after about two hours of fishing, the fish started swimming towards the back of the boat. The carp fought for 10 minutes before being landed.

The 45 lb. 6 oz. carp, was 42" long and had a girth of 32". It broke the old record, taken in the Delaware River by Mark Kronyak in 2008, by 1 lb. 8 oz.

Mr. Faatz is a member of a bowfishing team called the Team Bloody Decks who are currently working with the Wounded Warriors and other local organizations to take severely wounded veterans out bowfishing as part of their rehabilitation process.

The New Jersey State Record Fish Program revolves around a specific list of eligible species, and is based on weight alone (there are no line classes). The program goal is to increase awareness of fishing opportunities for species that are regularly sought after and routinely found in the freshwaters or off the coast of New Jersey.