Silas Turner, an experienced angler and guide in Georgia, recently achieved a remarkable feat by landing a record-breaking longnose gar. This extraordinary catch occurred on Lake Blackshear, where Turner, after concluding a crappie fishing trip, decided to pursue largemouth bass. His solo fishing excursion took an unexpected turn when he encountered a formidable fish that would ultimately rewrite the state's fishing records. The story highlights the thrill of unexpected encounters in the natural world and the dedication required to secure such a significant catch, adding another memorable chapter to Georgia's angling history.
The morning of March 5 began routinely for Silas Turner as he guided crappie enthusiasts on Lake Blackshear. Following the successful completion of his guiding duties around midday, Turner opted for some personal fishing time. He ventured out alone, focusing on largemouth bass in a creek on the lake's eastern side. Utilizing sonar, he detected a substantial fish dwelling about six feet beneath the surface in waters seventeen feet deep. Turner promptly cast a half-ounce bass jig towards the anomaly, unaware that he was about to engage with a truly exceptional specimen.
Upon the fish taking his lure, Turner initially believed he had hooked a sizable largemouth bass. However, it quickly became apparent that this creature was far larger and more powerful than his initial assessment suggested. As the battle progressed, the fish rolled on the surface, revealing its true identity. Turner, having experience with bowfishing for gar, instantly recognized the distinctive appearance of a large gar, realizing he had something truly special on his line.
The ensuing struggle lasted approximately 20 minutes, with Turner employing a 7-foot 3-inch baitcasting setup. Despite using a robust 50-pound braided main line, he exercised extreme caution, recognizing the gar's formidable teeth. Fortuitously, his jig had hooked the fish at the very tip of its snout, preventing the 20-pound fluorocarbon leader from fraying. This stroke of luck was crucial, allowing him to maintain control and eventually bring the powerful fish to his boat.
Given the gar's immense size, it proved too large for Turner's net. Demonstrating skillful handling, he secured the fish by grasping it behind its gills with one hand and around its body with the other, then hoisted it onto the deck of his vessel. Aboard his boat, the Bubba scale measured the fish's weight at an impressive 33.44 pounds. Realizing the potential significance of his catch, Turner contacted his friend, David Campbell, to inquire about the standing state record for longnose gar, which was 31 pounds 2 ounces, caught by Rachel Harrison in 2022 from the Coosa River.
Subsequently, Turner reached out to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Officials advised him that the quickest way to obtain an official weight was to transport the fish to the DNR fish hatchery in Cordele. The journey took about two hours, during which Turner suspected the fish might have lost some weight. Upon arrival, Matt Butzin and Angela Spinks at the hatchery officially weighed the gar on certified scales, confirming it at 31 pounds 14.4 ounces. Its length was measured at 59.875 inches. Although it may have lost a small amount of weight, the gar was still comfortably heavy enough to establish a new state record. Turner has since received official notification from the Georgia DNR, recognizing his longnose gar as the new state record, and the remarkable fish is currently being preserved for taxidermy.
This achievement by Silas Turner underscores the unpredictability and excitement inherent in fishing. His dedication and careful handling of the substantial longnose gar not only secured him a place in the record books but also provided a thrilling narrative for the angling community. The meticulous process of verifying the record, from the initial catch to the official weighing and subsequent recognition, highlights the structured efforts to document such significant natural occurrences. This event serves as an inspiring account for fellow anglers and a testament to the diverse and impressive aquatic life found within Georgia's waters.