Fifteen-year-old Jaylynn Parker recently caught a 101.11-pound blue catfish from the Ohio River, breaking the previous record set in 2009. The catch was certified by the organization responsible for record keeping in Ohio, despite some initial doubts about the authenticity of the fish. The record-breaking catfish was weighed on the same scale as the previous record holder, Chris Rolph, and both catches were verified by photograph rather than personal inspection by a wildlife biologist.
While some individuals raised concerns about potential added weights to the fish, three Ohio Division of Wildlife officers examined the catch and found no evidence of tampering. The main differences between Rolph’s catch and Parker’s catch were the methods used – Rolph used a rod and reel, while Parker utilized a bank line tied to a float. Both methods are legal under Ohio fishing rules, as long as the requirements are followed. Additionally, Rolph’s fish ended up dead while Parker’s fish was released back into the water alive.
Despite some complaints about the recognition of Parker’s record-breaking catch, no changes have been made to differentiate between fish caught on a bank line and those caught by rod and reel. However, there is still the possibility of rule tweaks in the future depending on who is advocating for them. Overall, Parker’s record-breaking catch has stirred up some controversy but has ultimately been deemed valid and recorded in the state’s record book. The 15-year-old’s impressive feat has garnered attention and sparked discussions about the rules and regulations surrounding fishing records in Ohio.
