Michigan Angler Sets State Record with Massive Gizzard Shad Catch in Kent County
A resident of Kent County, Michigan, recently set a new state record for catching the largest gizzard shad in the state. Sedrick Neinhuis reeled in the record-breaking fish from the Grand River in Kent County on April 22. The gizzard shad weighed 4.45 pounds and measured 20.3 inches in length, surpassing a 30-year-old record set in 1996. Gizzard shad are native to Michigan and are known for their gizzard, a muscular organ that aids in food digestion by breaking down food with grit and stones.
Neinhuis expressed his excitement about the catch, mentioning that they had been targeting a fish close to 5 pounds this year. He noted that there are many large gizzard shad in the area, but they are not often reported. Neinhuis hopes to continue his success in the future and potentially catch an even bigger fish next year. Michigan recognizes state-record fish based on weight alone, requiring the fish to be weighed on a certified commercial scale and identified by a DNR fisheries biologist.
For a complete list of Michigan's state record fishes, visit the Michigan DNR website.