A 15-year-old girl from Ohio has set a new state record for catching a blue catfish weighing 101.11 pounds. Jaylynn Parker, a sophomore at New Richmond High School, caught the massive fish on Twelve Mile Creek, a tributary of the Ohio River on April 7. Her catch was legally made on a jug line, and she was joined by family friend Jeff Sam during the fishing trip. Parker expressed feelings of shock and pride at being the new state record holder for the blue catfish species.
Parker and her family put out jug lines the night before, and she made the big catch the following day. The fish turned out to be “bigger than we ever imagined,” according to Parker. Despite some difficulty caused by high river levels, Parker and her team managed to net the large catfish and bring it onto the dock. The fish was weighed at over 100 pounds, setting a potential state record for Ohio.
After realizing that they had forgotten to bring a scale to weigh the fish, Parker and her family contacted the Ohio Division of Wildlife to assist in the process. With the help of game wardens and the certification by the Outdoor Writers of Ohio (OWO), Parker’s catch was officially recognized as a new state record. The fish was released back into the water once it was weighed and certified, ensuring its return to its natural habitat.
Parker expressed joy at seeing the fish swim away healthy and strong, knowing that it was well taken care of during the weighing process. She also received a letter of congratulations from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine for her achievement. Parker hopes to serve as a role model for other girls interested in fishing, proving that it is not exclusively a male-dominated sport. The previous state record for a blue catfish in Ohio was 96 pounds, while the world record stands at a massive 143 pounds.
The OWO maintains Ohio’s record fish list in partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. Parker’s accomplishment has garnered attention and admiration from those who look up to her, inspiring other girls to pursue fishing and outdoor activities. She hopes to continue fishing and setting new records in the future, breaking stereotypes about gender roles in sports and outdoor recreation. Parker’s record-setting catch serves as an example of determination, skill, and passion for fishing, showing that anyone can achieve success in the sport regardless of gender.
