23-05-2025
NNY angler catches giant channel catfish in Jefferson County
DEXTER, N.Y. (WWTI) – A 19-year-old Dexter man has reeled the first record-setting fish of 2025.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the first state record fish of the year. On May 3, while shorefishing with his son, Dylan Kampnich of Dexter reeled in a 37-pound 9-ounce channel catfish from Black River Bay in Jefferson County.
Spring trout fishing season begins in April
His record-breaking catch surpassed the previous state record catfish caught in 2022, also from the Black River, by 13 ounces.
Congratulations to Mr. Kampnich on his record-breaking catfish. This catch is a great example of what New York's abundant waterways have to offer and the thrilling news of this catch will certainly get anglers excited about getting on the water this season
DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton
Channel catfish are the largest members of the catfish species that live in the state. They feed primarily on the bottom at night and are most easily caught using live bait such as worms or baitfish. When hooked, catfish can provide a challenge for even the most-experienced anglers.
Kampnich submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC's newly-revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state record fish and recognizes anglers who catch any of the 40 eligible fish species that meet or exceed the minimum qualifying lengths established for that species. Through theprogram, anglers can enter freshwater fish that meet specific qualifying criteria and receive official recognition of their catch along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their achievement.
The program's three categories are: Angler Award; Youth Angler Award; and State Record. As part of the program revamp, anglers can now submit entries for qualifying catches from the convenience of their smart phone through an online entry form. For official program rules, eligible species, and associated minimum qualifying lengths, visit the Angler Achievement Awards webpage.
(Courtesy of Dylan Kampnich)
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