BOY CATCHES STATE RECORD PUMPKINSEED SUNFISH

Nathan Bache (pronounced Baych), 10, of Libby caught a state record pumpkinseed sunfish in Upper Thompson Lake on July 30.   Nathan caught the fish, which measured 9.5 inches in length, on a green-headed jig while fishing with his parents in their boat.   

Nathan was actually fishing for bass when he caught the pumpkinseed.   “I casted over by some weeds and the fish bit hard,” he said.   “It fought like a two-pound bass.” 

When he got the fish to the boat, Nathan thought it might be a black crappie because it was so large.   I never saw a sunfish that big,” he said.  

Nathan’s father recognized that it was a pumpkinseed and told Nathan that it could be a state record.   Sure enough, when the family returned to Libby and had the fish placed on Rosauers’ certified scale, the huge sunfish weighed in at .96 pounds. “I was happy when I found out it was a record,” he said.   Nathan’s fish exceeded the existing state record by .01 pound.   Nathan plans to have his trophy fish mounted. 

The pumpkinseed is one of three sunfish species in Montana, the other two being the bluegill and the green sunfish.   All three species were introduced into Montana. 

Nathan is an avid fisherman and setting the state record with his pumpkinseed has only whetted his appetite for more. He will receive a state record certificate when the record is confirmed at the Helena FWP office. 

FWP Region One Fisheries Manager Jim Vashro gives the following tips to anglers who think they may have caught a state record fish: 

--Don’t clean or freeze the fish; keep the fish on ice

--Take a picture of fish

--Get the fish weighed as soon as possible on a certified scale (grocery store, post office) and get a signed slip from the scale operator

--Contact the nearest FWP office office and bring your fish in to see if it’s a state record.

GRIZZLY FOUND DEAD IN THE SWAN   A dead grizzly bear was found in mid-July by federal and state officers in the Swan Drainage near the Flathead/Missoula County line.   The bear had been shot.   The case has been under active investigation for several weeks. 

Federal investigators are looking for information on the case.   Persons who have information should contact Rick Branzell of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Missoula, at 329-3000.   People can also contact 1-800-TIPMONT.   A reward may be available to persons who provide information on the case.   Persons who provide information may remain anonymous.

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