A lucky angler from Arkansas, Mike Schleeper, recently made headlines for reeling in a record-breaking 127-pound goliath paddlefish on June 15. Schleeper, a Garfield resident, caught the massive fish with the help of a friend at Beaver Lake in Northwest Arkansas. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission confirmed that Schleeper’s catch easily surpassed the previous state record of 118 pounds for the largest paddlefish. Pictures released by state officials show Schleeper and his friend proudly posing next to the gigantic fish, which appeared to be as wide as a truck.
Schleeper, an experienced angler who has been fishing in the area for over a decade, recounted the exhilarating experience of landing the massive paddlefish. He described how the fish put up a tough fight, unlike anything he had ever experienced before. Despite his years of fishing for stripers, Schleeper noted that the paddlefish did not exhibit the same behaviors and movements as the stripers he had caught in the past. The battle between Schleeper and the fish lasted nearly an hour, with the angler struggling to turn the fish as it pulled the rod down and swam away.
During the intense fight, Schleeper’s hook became lodged in one of the fish’s pectoral fins, adding an extra challenge to the already difficult task of reeling in the massive paddlefish. He and his friend had to follow the fish with the trolling motor for the first 20 minutes before finally getting it closer to the boat. Schleeper initially thought he was dealing with a huge striper, but as the fish came into view, he realized it was something entirely different.
After a 45-minute struggle, Schleeper and his friend managed to haul the fish into the boat using a rope. Fortunately, just as the fish landed in the boat, the hook popped free, providing a stroke of luck for the anglers. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission highlighted the significance of paddlefish as one of the oldest-surviving animal species in North America, dating back 300 million years.
Paddlefish are known for their unique characteristics and behavior, including their rarity in biting lures. Instead, anglers often snag paddlefish using various methods, such as spearfishing, intentional snagging during special seasons, or incidental snagging while fishing for other species. Despite their elusive nature, paddlefish catches can still qualify for state records in Arkansas, making them a prized catch among anglers in the region.
In conclusion, Mike Schleeper’s remarkable catch of a 127-pound paddlefish serves as a testament to the thrill and excitement of fishing in Arkansas. His record-breaking achievement reflects the diverse and challenging opportunities that await anglers in the state’s waters. From picturesque lakes to ancient species, Arkansas offers a unique fishing experience that continues to captivate anglers like Schleeper. As the legacy of paddlefish and other iconic species endures, the spirit of adventure and discovery lives on in the hearts of anglers across the Natural State.
