12-22-2006, 05:10 AM
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and bow fisherman Dennis Russian agree: the 54-pound grass carp taken from Horseshoe Pond in Presque Isle Bay is a trophy, but it's not a state record.
Russian, of New Alexandria, shot the noteworthy fish May 9 and upon having it weighed, found his fish was two pounds heavier than the Pennsylvania state-record carp. That fish - a 52-pounder from the Juniata River - has been recognized by the Commission as the record carp since 1962. Russian asked the Commission to consider his fish for record status, but the agency pointed out that its record category was for "common" carp (Cyprinus carpio) and not grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Russian asked the Commission to reconsider and a hearing on the matter was established. In the interim, however, the two parties came to concurrence.
"There is no doubt that Mr. Russian's fish is impressive and it's especially remarkable that he was able to take it by bow and arrow. However, possession of grass carp requires a special permit from the PFBC for the sole purpose of aquatic weed control in a tightly regulated environment. Given those facts, there was simply no way a grass carp - no matter how large - could qualify as a recreational fishing record," said Doug Austen, PFBC Executive Director.
"My intent in applying for a state record was to gain greater public recognition for the sport of bow fishing. After discussions with the Fish and Boat Commission I understand why there is no record category for grass carp. It's a big fish though - a really big fish - and the publicity around it has definitely got people talking about bow fishing and that's a good thing," said Russian.
In fact, Commission staff and Russian hope to capitalize on the buzz and said they are collaborating on an article on bow fishing tips and techniques for the agency's Pennsylvania Angler & Boater magazine. The piece will also appear on the agency's web site.
Russian plans to hang a replica of the grass carp in the archery shop he owns and operates. It will be displayed next to a certificate of recognition from the PFBC.
Russian, of New Alexandria, shot the noteworthy fish May 9 and upon having it weighed, found his fish was two pounds heavier than the Pennsylvania state-record carp. That fish - a 52-pounder from the Juniata River - has been recognized by the Commission as the record carp since 1962. Russian asked the Commission to consider his fish for record status, but the agency pointed out that its record category was for "common" carp (Cyprinus carpio) and not grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Russian asked the Commission to reconsider and a hearing on the matter was established. In the interim, however, the two parties came to concurrence.
"There is no doubt that Mr. Russian's fish is impressive and it's especially remarkable that he was able to take it by bow and arrow. However, possession of grass carp requires a special permit from the PFBC for the sole purpose of aquatic weed control in a tightly regulated environment. Given those facts, there was simply no way a grass carp - no matter how large - could qualify as a recreational fishing record," said Doug Austen, PFBC Executive Director.
"My intent in applying for a state record was to gain greater public recognition for the sport of bow fishing. After discussions with the Fish and Boat Commission I understand why there is no record category for grass carp. It's a big fish though - a really big fish - and the publicity around it has definitely got people talking about bow fishing and that's a good thing," said Russian.
In fact, Commission staff and Russian hope to capitalize on the buzz and said they are collaborating on an article on bow fishing tips and techniques for the agency's Pennsylvania Angler & Boater magazine. The piece will also appear on the agency's web site.
Russian plans to hang a replica of the grass carp in the archery shop he owns and operates. It will be displayed next to a certificate of recognition from the PFBC.