Downstate anglers bowfish their way into the record books

Two downstate anglers have bowfished their way into the record books, setting new high marks for the brown bullhead and black buffalo. The Department of Natural Resources confirmed the catches today.

Jared Gusler of Fairview bested the old brown bullhead record of 3.10 pounds and 17.5 inches with a beast of his own weighing 3.77 pounds and measuring 17.5 inches long. Gusler surpassed the 25-year mark while bowfishing on Alcona Pond last month. What’s more surprising is the time of day. Gusler nabbed the big brown bullhead at 2:00 in the morning on May 25th.

Joshua Teunis hauled in a bit heavier of load on his record breaking day. Teunis was also bowfishing when he reeled in a 41.25 pound black buffalo last Sunday the 15th. The Grand Haven native was also out in the wee hours of the morning for his catch. He nabbed the three foot long fish at 1:45 a.m. on Bear Lake in Muskegon County. The previous state-record black buffalo was caught by Bryan Degoede of Kalamazoo on the Kalamazoo River in Allegan County on Sept. 5, 2012. That fish weighed 37.06 pounds and measured 39.25 inches.

It’s important to note that state records are recognized by weight only. To qualify for a state record, fish must exceed the current listed state record weight and identification must be verified by a DNR fisheries biologist.

“We’ve had 12 of Michigan’s 56 state-record fish beat in the past 10 years, which just goes to show you how outstanding the state’s fishing is right now,” said DNR Fisheries Division Chief Jim Dexter. “Start planning your next fishing trip to your favorite body of water – you just might catch the next state record!”