New Hampshire Angler Catches New State Record Cusk

Now that's a monster cusk. New Hampshire has a new state record.

There's a new state record cusk in New Hampshire. According to New Hampshire Fish and Game, the monster cusk was caught by Ryan Scott Ashley of Gilmanton, New Hampshire. The fish was pulled from the waters of state's largest lake, Lake Winnipesaukee. The official weight was recorded at 12 pounds, 8.48 ounces. The fish measured 35 inches in length.

Cusk are members of the codfish family, and primarily caught durring the ice fishing season. According to New Hampshire Fish and Game, durring the cold winter months cusk become voracious predators. The eel-like fish are more lethargic in the summer months, and are rarely caught durring the open water season.

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In Maine, cusk are listed as a non-sport fish, and are not managed by Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. There's no length, weight, or bag limits on cusk in Maine. Anglers usually will target the fish at night, when they feed primarily on smelts and crayfish.

According to The Maine Sportsman, Maine's state record cusk has stood for over 30 years. Annette Dumond of Fort Kent holds the title of largest cusk. The fish weighed-in at a staggering 18 pounds, 8 ounces. It was pulled from Eagle Lake, March 15, 1986.

The heaviest fish caught in Maine waters was a lake trout, caught by Erik T. Poland, in 2020. The togue weighed-in at 39.2 pounds.

10 of the Deepest Lakes and Ponds in Maine

With 6,000 lakes and ponds, Maine has A LOT of freshwater shoreline. Some are densely populated in the summer months, while others are as remote as the wilderness that surrounds them. They're home to Maine's thriving gamefish populations, which calls-in anglers from all over the country. Ever wondered which of these lakes are the deepest in the state? We checked-over depth charts and topographic maps to find the 10 deepest lakes in Maine, as according to their maximum depth.

15 Must-Have Items For Ice Fishing Season In Maine

Ice fishing is an excellent way to embrace the cold winter months in Maine. It will get you outdoors for some fresh air, it's family friendly, and a successful day could yield a tasty dinner. If you're new to the sport, we put together a list of gear you'll need for a fun, comfortable, and successful day on the ice. Some of these items are more essential than others. Some gear may not be essential at all, depending on how you plan to fish. Again, the items we listed are geared towards those who are new to ice fishing.

Before we get to the list, remember to dress appropriately for the cold weather. We didn't put warm outerwear on the list, but it's definitely a must-have. Dressing in layers is important to ensure you're warm enough throughout the day on the ice. If you start getting too warm, you can simply take a layer off. Hand warmers are also worth packing.

15 Astonishing Natural Wonders Of Maine

Here are some of the bewildering and incredible sights of the natural world you can find here in Maine. How many places on the list have you visited or seen?

Source: New Hampshire Angler Catches New State Record Cusk

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