FERRISBURGH — A carp caught in April by a young Ferrisburgh resident was recently certified by the Department of Fish & Wildlife as a state record.
Chase Stokes, 10, who has at least twice been certified by Fish & Wildlife officials as a Vermont Master Angler, caught the 33.25-pound carp in Otter Creek in Panton on April 29. It measured 40 inches in length and had a total girth of 26.5 inches at its widest point, according to a Fish & Wildlife press release.
The former record carp weighed 33 pounds and measured 35 inches in length. The new record was made official two weeks ago after a thorough inspection by fisheries biologists from Vermont Fish & Wildlife. The record is for the traditional method of angling, not for bow fishing, which is also recognized.
Stokes regularly competes in fishing derbies, and according to his father has garnered sponsors for his participation, including New Haven’s Rack ‘N Reel, who supply hats, shirts, bait and fishing gear.
To earn Vermont Master Angler status in a given year, anglers must catch five or more fish species exceeding the minimum qualifying lengths. In 2015, for example, Stokes caught 18 species that exceeded the minimum size, according to a Fish & Wildlife press release.