Marc Cooper II has caught a new state record Skipjack Herring and is waiting to hear if it’s a new world record. The skipjack weighed in at 4 lbs, 2.88 oz. and measured 21 and 3/8 inches long. TWRA fisheries biologist, Mike Jolley, confirmed Mr. Cooper’s record on March 20, and has submitted the weight to the International Game Fish Association for world record status. The skipjack was caught at Watts Bar Reservoir. The previous Skipjack Herring record was held by Chris Vittetoe and was set in 2004. This record fish was also caught at Watts Bar Reservoir.
Mr. Cooper, a student at University of Tennessee was happy about the bad weather on Feb. 17. UT had cancelled classes and his buddy had a four-wheel drive truck. They decided to go fishing. An avid fisherman, Cooper started and runs UT’s Catfishing Club. On the day of his record catch, they were simply after baitfish and ended their day with a full cooler. They headed home and noticed a few Skipjacks were larger than usual. After weighing the fish on certified scales, Cooper contacted TWRA to confirm his catch.
“We love confirming records,” said Mr. Jolley. “Any day working with TWRA fisheries and record setting is a good day!” Mr. Jolley, a 22-year veteran with TWRA also certified the Florida Bass record set on Chickamauga Reservoir, Feb.1. Mr. Jolley often deals with inquiries regarding new records. “Anyone who wishes to document a new record fish should follow the criteria listed in the TN Fishing Guide or consult the web site.”
For this or other angler information, visit tnwildlife.org.