Illinois State Record Fish List

The Illinois State Record Fishing is an ongoing pursuit for anglers, with the current Smallmouth Bass record set at 7 pounds, 3 ounces in 2019, the Spotted Gar record at 8 pounds, 6 ounces in 2020, and the Burbot record at 11 pounds, 12 ounces in 2020. MidWest Outdoors has reported on the state record fishing in Illinois since 2005, including the current Blue Catfish record of 124 pounds set in 2005. Anglers fishing for blue catfish in Illinois should use circle hooks, as they are designed to reduce mortality and increase catch-and-release success rates.

Illinois State Record Fish List

The Illinois State Record Fishing is an ongoing pursuit for anglers, with the current Smallmouth Bass record set at 7 pounds, 3 ounces in 2019, the Spotted Gar record at 8 pounds, 6 ounces in 2020, and the Burbot record at 11 pounds, 12 ounces in 2020. MidWest Outdoors has reported on the state record fishing in Illinois since 2005, including the current Blue Catfish record of 124 pounds set in 2005. Anglers fishing for blue catfish in Illinois should use circle hooks, as they are designed to reduce mortality and increase catch-and-release success rates.

The record for fish caught in Illinois is held by Land Big Fish, with anglers having caught some of the biggest fish in the state. According to Land Big Fish data, compiled by Stacker on Oct 21, 2022, the record fish caught in Illinois includes species such as the largemouth bass, black crappie, and flathead catfish. The average weight of a record largemouth bass is 18.18 lbs.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources presents commemorative plaques to anglers who have caught Bow-and-Arrow state record fish, according to I Fish Illinois. This program is designed to recognize excellence in angling and conservation efforts. Anglers must submit an application for the record with the appropriate documentation.

State fishing records provide information on the largest catches of certain fish species across the U.S. There are records for African Pompano, Albacore Tuna, Alligator Gar, American Eel, American Shad, Arctic Char, Arctic Grayling, Atlantic Bonito, Atlantic Cod, Atlantic Croaker, Atlantic Mackerel, Atlantic Salmon, Atlantic Sturgeon, Bigeye Tuna, Black Bullhead, Black Crappie and many more.

This article lists the current state record fish catches for all 50 states in the US, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii and more. It was published by Wired2Fish on July 30, 2022. The state record fish catches are updated regularly, ensuring anglers have access to the most up-to-date information.

Do Illinois fish species include shiners?

The INHS Fish Collection Web contains a list of fish species found in Illinois, including the River Chub, Golden Shiner, Pugnose Shiner, and Emerald Shiner. These species are all important to the ecology of Illinois' aquatic systems.

Can I get awards for fishing in Illinois?

The Illinois Division of Fisheries offers awards for anglers who catch fish legally in Illinois waters, such as Hook-and-Line, Bow and Arrow, and Certificates. Anglers can create and print personalized certificates to recognize their catch and release awards. There is also a list of current Illinois hook-and-line record fish.

What are the new Fish records?

Illinois and North American Hook & Line records are regularly updated with new record Fish, with the North American records being updated annually when the new edition of the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is published. This is according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website, which also provides information on how to submit new record Fish.

How do I apply for the Hook-and-Line State Record Fish?

Anglers must submit an official record fish application and an IDNR Image Release form in order to be eligible for the Hook-and-Line State Record Fish, as verified and signed by the local District Fisheries Biologist, according to I Fish Illinois. Certain states may have additional regulations or restrictions related to record keeping.

When is the North American record Fish updated?

The Illinois record Fish are regularly updated when new records are set, while North American records are updated once a year when the new edition of the nFWFHoF is published. According to the I Fish Illinois website, Hook-Line Record Fish can be found on their website, where they provide the most up-to-date information on record fish. An official application form must be filled out and submitted in order to register a record fish.

Did Joe set an Illinois record?

Joe Capilupo caught a 7 pound, 3 ounce Smallmouth Bass on October 15th, 2019, setting the Illinois State Record for the species. According to MidWest Outdoors, the catch was made in Illinois by a resident of the state. The average size of a Smallmouth Bass is usually between one and three pounds.

What is the record weight of the yellow hybrid bass?

In 2008, a record-breaking yellow hybrid bass was caught in Southern Illinois at Rend Lake, weighing in at 2 pounds .96 ounces. This is the current Illinois state record for this fish species.

Where was the record white crappie caught?

In 1973, an impressive record white crappie of 4 pounds and 7 ounces was caught in a pond in Morgan County, Illinois. This is the state record for white crappie, and those looking to try their luck at catching one can find more information on fishing opportunities in the state.

Did Joseph Capilupo break the state record?

On October 14, 2019, Joseph Capilupo landed a smallmouth bass at Monroe Harbor weighing 7 pounds and 3 ounces, breaking the Illinois state record that had stood since 1985. The previous record of 6 pounds and 15 ounces was caught by Mark Samp from a Fulton County strip mine lake.

Did Mark Capilupo catch a record bass?

On November 29th, 2021, Mark Capilupo caught a new Illinois State Record Smallmouth Bass just ten minutes before the park closure at 10:50 p.m. This 4-pound, 15-ounce fish was confirmed to be the largest smallmouth bass of its kind ever caught in the state by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Are records updated annually?

Illinois and North American Hook & Line records are regularly updated as new records are set, with the North American records being updated annually when the new edition of the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is published. This information was provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in 2019. Records can be accessed on the IDNR website or through the PDF document on the website.

Did Ryan set a new state record?

Ryan Povolish recently landed a 4-8.8 black crappie in Illinois, which may be the new state record. This remarkable catch was over 1 pound heavier than the previous record of 3-14 that was set in 2018.

Can I win a plaque?

Anglers who catch a fish of eligible species that equals or exceeds the weight of the current Illinois state record will be awarded an engraved wall plaque and certificate from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. According to the website Fishing in Illinois, the award is given to recognize the angler's achievement. In addition, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources also offers awards for aquatic education and conservation.

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