The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on Thursday announced that a second fish species made the record books just 10 days after a channel catfish record was broken. Alex Pidhorodeckyj of Peekskill, NY, reeled in a 4 lb. 1 oz. fallfish from the St. Lawrence River near Massena while jigging for walleye and pike. Pidhorodeckyj’s catch broke the previous fallfish record caught in 2009 by half a pound.
“A second New York State record broken in a matter of days is exciting news for our fisheries and our state,” said Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “DEC congratulates Alex Pidhorodeckyj on this record catch and advises anglers that there are even more records waiting just below the water’s surface. With summer right around the corner, I encourage New Yorkers to get outside and experience how fun fishing can be across our abundant lakes, rivers, and streams.”
Fallfish are the largest native minnow species in New York State and are commonly found in medium-sized streams to large, warmwater rivers. Not often sought after by anglers, fallfish are usually caught while targeting other species, such as smallmouth bass or trout. Fallfish have a reputation for putting up a good fight when caught.
Pidhorodeckyj submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC’s newly revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state record fish and recognizes anglers who catch any of the 40 eligible fish species that meet or exceed the minimum qualifying lengths established for that species. Through this program, anglers can enter freshwater fish that meet specific qualifying criteria and receive official recognition of their catch along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their achievement.
The program’s three categories are: Angler Award; Youth Angler Award; and State Record. As part of the program revamp, anglers can now submit entries for qualifying catches from the convenience of their smartphone through an online entry form. For official program rules, eligible species, and associated minimum qualifying lengths, visit the Angler Achievement Awards webpage.
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