DEC Announces New State Record Brown Bullhead

• by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

ALBANY, NY (08/17/2009)(readMedia)-- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that Glenn Collacuro of Mahopac has broken a state record by landing a 7-pound, 6 ounce, 22-inch brown bullhead while fishing Lake Mahopac in Putnam County on Aug. 1. Caught with a sawbelly, or alewife, Collacuro's catch surpassed the old record for largest bullhead (also caught at Lake Mahopac) by more than a pound and marks the fourth state record fish species to be broken this year.

Brown bullheads average about one to two pounds in New York State - making Collacuro's catch even more impressive. Inhabiting most of the state, bullheads are most active during low light periods and are highly sought after because they provide a tasty meal.

Collacuro submitted details of his winning fish as part of DEC's Angler Achievement Awards Program. A photograph of Collacuro and his catch can be found on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html. Through this program, anglers enter freshwater fish that meet specific qualifying criteria and receive official recognition of their catch and a distinctive lapel pin commemorating their achievement. The three categories that make up the program are: Catch & Release, Annual Award and State Record.

Further information about the Angler Achievement Awards Program, including a downloadable application form, can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7727.html. Past winners from previous years can also be accessed by visiting the webpage. Program details and an official entry form can also be found in DEC's current Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide. For additional information on the Angler Achievement Awards Program contact (518) 402-8891 or email fwfish@gw.dec.state.ny.us