LAKE OZARK, Mo. — Anglers at the Lake of the Ozarks were treated to a world-record catch on Sunday, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).
Chad Williams of Olathe, Kansas was with a group of anglers for his first snagging experience when he snagged the record paddlefish, MDC said on its website. Snagging, or using sharp grappling hooks on fishing lines to externally pierce into fish flesh, is one of the main ways to fish for paddlefish since the fish aren't attracted to bait.
“I was lucky enough to get invited to go out snagging with friends,” Williams told MDC. “I’d never been snagging before. Never seen a paddlefish – didn’t even know what it was!”
Williams snagged the massive 164-pound, 13-ounce paddlefish shortly after the snagging session started, officials said.
“I was thinking I was extremely weak because it was taking so long to reel in. My body was aching,” Williams said. "I’m honestly still processing this whole thing."
The record was certified to be broken by MDC officials. Williams reportedly shared some of the paddlefish meat with the fishing group, while he and his wife kept the rest.
“Conservation agent Tyler Brown was in disbelief it was my first time snagging," Williams said. "He said, ‘You don’t have to go out fishing ever again! Nothing can top this!’ and he’s probably right!”
The paddlefish fishing season lasts from March 15 to April 30. Click here to see more details.
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