2016 has started out as a Record breaking year for fishing in Missouri.  So far six state records have been broken in the first three and a half months, thanks in part to the unusually warm temperatures we have enjoyed so far this year.  The warmer weather has allowed anglers to get out earlier this year and spend more time on the water.  Missouri has two categories pole and line and alternative.  Alternative methods include: throwlines, trotlines, limb lines, bank lines, jug lines, spearfishing, snagging, snaring, gigging, grabbing, archery, and atlatl.  Here are five of the new state record fish.





State Record White Bass (Alternative Method) Photo: courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

James Wright of Cape Fair Missouri caught the new record white bass on a trot line at Table Rock Lake, on April 6th.  The white bass weighed 3 pounds 4oz and was 18 3/4 inches long.  The record is for alternative method. 



Fresh water drum Missouri State record (alternative method) Photo: courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

Joshua Cole of Reeds Springs Missouri caught the state record freshwater drum bow Fishing on Table Rock Lake March 31st.  The drum weighed 31 pounds 30 ounces and was 33 inches long with a girth of 30 inches. The record is for alternative method.



Missouri state record goldeye (Pole and Line) Photo: courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

Brent Newton of Holts Summit caught this state record Goldeye on the Osage River, using a rod and reel.  the goldeye weighed 2 pounds and measured 17 1/4 inches. This record is for pole and line.



State record Black Buffalo (Alternative Method) Photo: courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

Travis Cardona of Hillsboro Caught this state record Black buffalo at Duck Creek Conservation area March 14th, Using a Bow. The fish weighed 74 pounds.  This record is for alternative method.



State record gizzard shad (pole and line) Photo: courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

Shane Doherty of Fort Scott Kansas caught this record fish at a private strip pit in Vernon county on January 8th.  The fish weighed 2 pounds 2 ounces, and measured 19 and 13/16 inches. This record is for pole and line.