Maryland Man Breaks State Record For 'Prehistoric' Longnose Gar Catch
SECRETARY, Md. (WJZ) -- A Maryland man set a new state record for catching a 17.9-pound longnose gar.
David Confair, 44, of Dorchester County, cause the fish on Jan. 23 near Brookview Bridge along Marshyhope Creek, Maryland's Department of Natural Resources reports.
Confair and a friend were out fishing after they heard reports of massive blue catfish.
A few hours into their trip, Confair felt a big tug on the fishing line.
"Get the net," Confair yelled to his friend. "This is a big fish."
It wasn't a catfish, but it was a longnose gar -- a fish DNR said dates back to prehistoric times and can grow up to six feet long.
Confair broke the previous record of a 17-pound longnose gar. That fish was caught by Justin Kelly in the Potomac River in 2011.
"It deserves to live," Confair said. "I'm hoping to set a bigger record. I know there are bigger ones, I've seen them."
Confair released the fish after keeping it alive for two days.
Anglers who think they have a potential record catch should fill-out the state record application and call 443-569-1381 or 410-260-8325. The department suggests the fish be immersed in ice water to preserve its weight until it can be checked, confirmed and certified.
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