A recent fishing excursion in Indiana's Ohio River resulted in an astounding new state record. While initially casting for hybrid striped bass, angler Justin Brown reeled in an impressive longnose gar that tipped the scales at an unprecedented 23.12 pounds. This significant catch not only shattered the previous state record but also highlighted the unexpected thrill of fishing and the rich biodiversity of the Ohio River.
On a particularly mild day in late December, Justin Brown, accompanied by his 14-year-old son John, his friend Blaine Summers, and his girlfriend Sarah Thomas, set out on the Indiana stretch of the Ohio River, just south of the McAlpin Dam. Their primary target was hybrid striped bass, which they sought by jigging spoons near the riverbed close to the mouth of Silver Creek. After successfully catching a few hybrid bass, some weighing up to five pounds, and a few smaller gar, Justin's luck took a dramatic turn.
Justin recounted dropping a half-ounce silver jigging spoon into approximately 12 feet of water. Immediately after its first jig, a powerful fish struck. The creature, which Justin later identified as a longnose gar, breached the surface with a partial jump before diving back down, initiating an intense struggle. Despite the numerous rocks and submerged debris in the river, and the gar's formidable teeth and sharp gill plates, Justin managed to prevent his line from snapping. He described the fish as a 'prehistoric creature,' emphasizing its ancient lineage and formidable appearance.
Longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) are fascinating freshwater fish with a deep evolutionary history, often referred to as 'living fossils.' These elongated fish are characterized by their distinctive narrow snout, equipped with sharp teeth, which they use to ambush prey like smaller fish and crustaceans. They are typically found in the slow-moving waters of rivers and lakes across eastern and central North America, often lurking in vegetated or woody areas. Their protective ganoid scales, resembling armor plates, and a unique vascularized swim bladder that functions like a lung, allow them to survive in oxygen-depleted waters. They reproduce in shallow areas during springtime, laying adhesive eggs on vegetation without parental care.
Using baitcast tackle and 20-pound line, Justin eventually brought the colossal gar alongside his boat. His son, John, donned heavy gloves and bravely secured the vigorous fish by its snout, carefully lifting it onto the deck, as it was too large for the boat's livewell. Realizing the fish's immense size, a friend in a nearby boat, Zachary Rossbottom, quickly researched the existing state record, confirming their suspicion that Justin's catch was a potential record-breaker. Initially, Justin intended to release the fish, but the prospect of a new state record prompted him to keep it alive by tying it to the boat and placing it in a large plastic tote filled with river water upon returning to the ramp.
To establish a new state record, the gar needed to be officially weighed on certified scales. However, as it was a Sunday, no suitable facilities were open. The group returned home, carefully preserving the fish until the following day. On Monday, they contacted the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries division. Phil Kacmar, a DNR fisheries biologist, met with Justin to conduct the official weighing. The longnose gar measured an impressive 54 inches in length with an 18.25-inch girth and an official weight of 23.12 pounds, significantly exceeding the previous record of 22 pounds, 5.1 ounces, set in 2008 by Mark Brittain.
Justin plans to have his record-setting gar mounted, with the possibility of it being displayed in his son John's room, acknowledging John's crucial role in securing the fish. Justin expressed his astonishment at the entire experience, noting the unexpected nature of the catch. He humorously mentioned that his girlfriend, Sarah, often teases him, suggesting his success was due to her request to move their boat to a spot where she had previously caught a hybrid striped bass. The previous record holder, Mark Brittain, also extended his congratulations to Justin. The event has garnered considerable attention, including television coverage and numerous calls, making it an exciting and memorable occasion for Justin.
The capture of this record-breaking longnose gar underscores the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of angling. Justin Brown's monumental catch, aided by his family and friends, not only secured him a place in Indiana's fishing history but also brought widespread attention to the unique aquatic life found in the Ohio River. This tale of an unexpected triumph serves as a testament to the thrill of discovery that keeps anglers returning to the waters, hoping for their own extraordinary catch.