Angler breaks his own record with massive invasive species catch
Share and Follow

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Setting a record is great, but breaking your own record may be even sweeter. That’s what one angler in Oklahoma achieved over the weekend.

The record-breaking catch, an invasive bighead carp weighing over 118 pounds, was reeled in by Bryan Baker on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in northeastern Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC).

The agency shared a photo of Baker’s latest catch on social media with a notable nugget of trivia: This isn’t Baker’s first record-setting catch.

Bryan Baker caught a Bighead carp weighing 118 pounds, 10 ounces. (Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

In 2023, Baker set the state record for a bighead carp catch. That one also weighed 118 pounds, just 10 ounces lighter than the carp he snagged Saturday.

Despite breaking his own record, Baker’s latest bighead carp is still a few pounds shy of the world record. A carp caught in Missouri four years ago, weighing in at 125 pounds, 5 ounces, currently holds that title.

Bighead carp are invasive, disrupting ecosystems by competing with native fish for food and habitat, says ODWC officials.

The carp is native to eastern Asia, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. While the fish is usually around 40 pounds, they have been known to exceed 100 pounds and measure nearly 5 feet in length.

Originally brought to the U.S. to help keep retention ponds at aquaculture and wastewater treatment facilities clean and for human consumption, the bighead carp soon found themselves on the lam in riverways.

They have since established populations in Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The FWS said the invasive fish have also been reported or stocked in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia.

It is illegal to import or transport the carp, eggs, or hybrids of the species across state lines without proper permitting.

Officials say if you catch a bighead carp, do not return it to the water.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Ben Affleck's whispers to Jennifer Lopez on the red carpet revealed

Revealed: What Ben Affleck Secretly Told Jennifer Lopez on the Red Carpet

A hand on her lower back, intimate whispers, and the first sighting…
Shop ABC Secret Savings big deals for your home from bean bag chairs to spa-like towels.

Discover Secret Savings at Shop ABC: Big Deals for Your Home on Items from Bean Bag Chairs to Spa-Quality Towels.

As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, Localish will earn a…
Hilaria Baldwin insists she isn't a 'nepo' wife, was cast on 'DWTS' without Alec's help

Hilaria Baldwin claims she joined ‘DWTS’ on her own, not as a ‘nepo’ wife with Alec’s influence

Hilaria Baldwin denied being a “nepo” wife and insisted she got cast…
Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meet over trade

Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Discuss Trade Relations

() Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is meeting with President Donald Trump…
New details emerge about blaze which destroyed judge's beachfront home

Fresh Information Surfaces on Fire That Razed Judge’s Beachfront Property

Investigators have concluded that there is no evidence to indicate that a…
Supporters of Israel, Palestinians hope for Gaza peace talks progress, return of Hamas hostages 2 years after October 7th attack

Israel and Palestinian Supporters Anticipate Progress in Gaza Peace Talks, Hope for Return of Hostages 2 Years Post-October 7th Incident

CHICAGO (WLS) — Tuesday marks two years since the Israel-Hamas war began,…
Jared Leto, Jodie Turner-Smith, Greta Lee and more

Stars Like Jared Leto, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Greta Lee Shine Bright

The “Tron: Ares” premiere in LA was a dazzling event, attracting notable…
Stream It Or Skip It?

Watch or Wait?

To mark the second anniversary of Hamas’ attacks on southern Israel on…