Angler Chad Leonard of Nashville, Georgia (Berrien County) had more than just a great day of fishing on the Alapaha River on Sept. 5, 2008 - he managed to catch a new state record!  Leonard reeled in a 30 lbs. 4 oz., 56-inch longnose gar,
according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division.  The most recent state record for a longnose gar was a 28 lbs. 6 oz. fish caught in the Flint River in 1995.   

“It is always exciting for anyone to reel in a state record and this reminds us that Georgia is such a fantastic place for anglers because there are so many fishing opportunities and resources available,” says WRD Fisheries Management Chief John Biagi.  “We hope that the recognition of this new state record will inspire experienced and novice anglers to get out and fish at any one of Georgia’s numerous lakes and rivers.  You might not catch a new state record, but odds are you will still have a great day of fishing.”

Longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) are members of the gar family and are considered relics from a large group of primitive fishes.  Longnose gar have an elongated body, are greenish black on top and yellow toward the belly.  They have black spots along their sides and fins.  A long, narrow snout contains many sharp needle-like teeth.  They prefer weedy areas of deep or shallow lakes and  streams.  Gar feed primarily on other fish.  They are considered a challenge to catch - but in this case, well worth it!

While this new state record is not a new all-tackle world record (current record is 50 lbs. 5 oz.), it is eligible for a line class world record through the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.  The current 15 lbs. Test line world class, longnose gar is 19 lbs. 6 oz. 

Information about state record fish can be found on the WRD website at www.gofishgeorgia.com or in the Sport Fishing Regulations Guidebook available at all WRD offices and all license agents.

Make plans now for your fishing trip, and don’t forget to introduce someone new to fishing!  For more information about fishing opportunities in Georgia, visit  www.gofishgeorgia.com or call a WRD Fisheries Management Office.