introfishing

The author's top catches by species

In the spirit of multi-species fishing, I have found it to be a lot of fun to keep a life list. A life list is simply keeping record of all the fish species you have ever caught. I decided to get a bit more in depth with my life list by being specific as to the exact fish that is my best specimen for each caught species. It has been an absolute blast trying to add new species and then upgrade the best fish for each species caught. Adding to the challenge is getting good documentation (photo) of each catch. I have several fish on my life list that only remain as the top catch because I wasn't pleased with the photo quality being at least equal. Talk about making it even harder on myself! As far as the criteria for me to consider a fish for my life list - it just has to be caught on hook and line by legal angling methods. I recognize that some of these fish aren't really trophy size by everyone's standards but they do represent my personal 'trophies'. I hope to be able to update this page frequently, it all depends on both the fish and camera cooperating!

4/26/06

Common Carp

Bigmouth Buffalo

4/2/01

35"

Walleye

4/13/02

29.5"

Saugeye

2/9/02

24.5"

Rainbow Trout

3/27/08

29"

Brook Trout

8/22/06

16"

4/13/06

Brown Trout

21.5"

Chinook Salmon

7/30/07

7/1/07

Freshwater Drum

27"

Northern Pike

7/16/01

34"

6/1/02

Longnose Gar

28"

2/23/06

Bowfin

9/4/08

Smallmouth Bass

19.5"

9/1/01

Largemouth Bass

18"

7/5/07

Flathead Catfish

32"

5/8/01

Channel Catfish

26.75"

11/18/01

Mirror Carp

25"

Quillback

11/22/01

21"

Silver Redhorse

5/9/01

16"

Rock Bass

5/27/02

11.13"

Yellow Perch

8/19/03

14"

Bluegill

8/25/01

11"

6/2/03

White Crappie

13"

5/14/05

Black Crappie

White Bass

Wild Goldfish

White Sucker

White Perch

5/21/05

4/28/01

3/25/08

1/15/06

Brown Bullhead

Yellow Bullhead

Gizzard Shad

Pumpkinseed

9/3/06

11/12/05

10/10/04

1/11/03

Green Sunfish

5/2/04

Other minor species caught on hook and line not pictured: Golden Shiner 7.75" 11/6/04, Creek Chub 8" 11/5/05, Logperch Darter 3.75" 11/5/05, Round Goby 6" 8/8/06, Shorthead Redhorse 11" 3/24/09.