NEW State Record Walleye Caught On Lake Rabun
CLAYTON, Ga. (2/22/2016)
Angler Wes Carlton knows his walleye, and is awfully glad that he took time to go fish last week! Carlton, age 42, of Gainesville hooked the new state record walleye at Lake Rabun on Feb. 19.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, this 14 lb, 2 oz, 31 ½” inch catch beat the existing state record, established in 1995, by almost 3 pounds! A new state record has to be at least one ounce greater.
“Based on sampling efforts by fisheries staff, we have just been waiting on the day that a new state record walleye was pulled from Lake Rabun,” says John Biagi, chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Resources Division. ”Hearing about a new state record is a great start to 2016 and I hope it encourages all new and experienced anglers to get outdoors and go fish Georgia!”
Walleye are considered part of the perch fish family. They typically have a golden-brown colored body with a white belly. The name derives from their large, glassy marble-like eyes, and they have a spiny dorsal fin and long, sharp teeth. Up to 1-2 lb walleye are typical, but found up to 15 lb. They live in large, cold water rivers and lakes and are frequently found near boulders, points and humps. Recommended bait or lures include minnows, nightcrawlers, jigs, crankbait and spinner combos.