May 19, 2010 Pratt, KS — A new Kansas state record
smallmouth bass was caught in Milford Reservoir on April 4 and has
been certified by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP).
Frank Evans Jr., of Salina, caught the 6.88-pound smallmouth on a
jerk bait about 1 p.m. Evans' catch continues a Salina-Milford
connection for smallmouth bass. The previous state record of 6.68
pounds was also taken from Milford by a Salina resident, Jason Heis,
in August of 2004.
Evans' fish was weighed on a certified scale and witnessed by
William Evans Jr., of Schriever, La. KDWP fisheries biologist John
Reinke confirmed the species of the fish, which was 21.5 inches long
and 16.5 inches in girth.
A potential state record fish must remain intact until it is weighed
and officially identified. Anyone who believes they have caught a
state record fish must bring the fish to a grocery store or other
business with certified scales as soon as possible. The weighing
must be witnessed. The fish must be species-confirmed by a KDWP
fisheries biologist or a Fisheries Section regional supervisor. (A
tissue sample may be required.) A color photograph of the fish must
accompany the application. The fish must be weighed before it is
frozen.
All applications for state records require a 30-day waiting period
before certification. For a list of Kansas state record fish, visit
the KDWP website,
www.kdpw.state.ks.us, or pick up a copy of the Kansas Fishing
Regulations Summary wherever licenses are sold. |