Now this is the what you would expect a state record hybrid striped bass to look like!
Robert Vericella, of Bloomington, Illinois has officially found himself squarely in the record books. As seen on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Facebook page, Vericella caught the biggest hybrid striped bass the state has ever seen. Weighing in at slightly over 21 pounds, it easily beat the old record with no question.
"The IDNR Division of Fisheries congratulates Robert Vericella of Bloomington, IL for his catch of a new state-record hybrid striped bass. The fish was caught at Lake Bloomington in central Illinois on June 12. IDNR Fisheries biologist Mike Garthaus certified the fish at 21 pounds, 7.2 ounces. The previous state-record hybrid striped bass (20 pounds, .32 ounces) was caught at Lake of Egypt in southern Illinois in 1993."
Now that Illinois has officially registered another state record, that put the total up to seven for this year. So far, 2017 is shaping up to be a banner year for record fish in the state. On average, the state averages between two to five new state fishing records per year.
Congratulations Mr. Vericella. That is one incredible fish! Hopefully that record stands for just as long as it took you to break it!
NEXT: FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, AN INDIANA ALLIGATOR GAR HAS BEEN CAUGHT
