Kerry Glenn, of Sedalia, became the most recent record-breaking angler in Missouri when he hooked a goldeye on Truman Lake using a rod and reel, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Conservation.
The new "pole and line" record goldeye Gleen caught May 25 weighed 2 pounds, 2 ounces. It broke the previous state record of 2 pounds. Glenn was crappie fishing using minnow for bait when he caught the goldeye.
"As soon as I hooked the fish I knew right away that it wasn't a crappie," Glenn said in MDC's news release. "After getting the fish in the boat, I really had no idea what I caught."
Glenn said he thought he had caught a shad, but after taking his fish to Lost Valley Hatchery to get it identified and weighed, he found out he had caught a state-record goldeye.
"I was so shocked to hear that I caught a state-record fish," he said. "It took a while for that to sink in, and once it did I couldn't be any prouder. I have fished Truman Lake my entire life and never thought I would catch a state-record fish, and just like that, I did."
Goldeyes are part of the mooneye family and most often found in the open waters of large rivers and lakes, according to MDC. Goldeyes have large eyes and prominent teeth on the jaws, roof of mouth, and tongue. Anglers often mistake the goldeye for skipjack herring while fishing for bait.
"I'm so very honored and humbled to hold a Missouri state record for the largest goldeye," Glenn said.
For more information on state-record fish, visit the MDC website at http://on.mo.gov/2efq1vl.