In a press release today, Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources says Joseph Seeberger has both a state record and now a world record-sized Great Lakes muskellunge.
The International Committee of the Modern Day Muskellunge World Record Program (MDMWRP) recognized Seeberger’s catch as the biggest ever. MDMWRP is a committee of muskellunge scientists, industry leaders, anglers and outdoor media personalities that formed in 2006. Prior to Seeberger's submission, there had not been a MDMWRP world-record entry verified.
The state record was verified by Patrick Hanchin, a DNR fisheries biologist and Conservation Officer Steve Speigl. To qualify for a state record, fish must exceed the current listed state-record weight and identification must be verified by a DNR fisheries biologist.
How did he do it?
Where? Lake Bellaire in Antrim County.
Bait? A minnow.
Battle length? Nearly two hours to land it.
When? Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012.
Time? 10:30 a.m.
Weight? 58 pounds
Measurements? 59 inches long and a girth of 29 inches.
Number of assistants required? 2 friends.
- Chris Zollars, Michigan Radio Newsroom
