State Record Bowfin Caught

September 11, 2017

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The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has officially certified, and is pleased to announce, the catch of a new state record freshwater fish.

Pierce Dopkin of Clementon, NJ, reeled in the new state record Bowfin on July 28, 2017. The fish weighed in at 11 pounds, 8.5 ounces eclipsing the previous state record by 10.5 ounces. The fish measured 31.7" in length and had a girth of 17.1". Pierce was fishing from the shore of Matua Creek when the fish hit. Pierce was using a Shimano rod and reel with 20-pound braided line. A shiner served as the bait.

For more information on the Record Fish Program, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/recfish.htm