Kansas Angler's State Record Fish Seized by Wildlife Officials

Disputed State Fishing Record in Kansas

TOPEKA (KSNT) – A Kansas angler, Bobby Parkhurst, who thought he had broken a nearly 60-year-old state fishing record, had his catch taken off the record list by wildlife officials. This decision has led to a legal dispute, leaving Parkhurst without the recognition of his record-breaking white crappie.

Record-Breaking Catch

In 2023, Bobby Parkhurst caught a white crappie at Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 2, which measured 18 inches in length, 14 inches in girth, and weighed 4.07 pounds. This fish surpassed the previous record set 60 years ago by Frank Miller of Eureka. However, Parkhurst's celebration soon turned sour when wildlife officials visited his home and seized the fish under a search warrant, claiming a "formal investigation."

Disputed Record Status

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) announced that Parkhurst's catch could not be confirmed after further review and reinstated the old record. KDWP spokeswoman Nadia Marji explained that discrepancies in the information provided by Parkhurst on his application form led to the decision to remove his name from the state fishing records. Marji stated that the listed weight on the application form was inaccurate, which disqualified the fish from being considered a state record.

Legal Battle and Call for Transparency

Bobby Parkhurst asserts that he followed all the procedures and filled out the application form correctly. He is demanding the return of his seized catch, claiming that he adhered to the guidelines set by the wildlife officials and that their biologists had examined the fish multiple times. The case remains active, and Parkhurst is determined to fight for the recognition of his record-breaking catch.

Continued Investigation and Public Engagement

The KDWP has stated that further information on the investigation is pending as the case remains active. KSNT 27 News will continue to provide updates on this ongoing dispute. For more on Kansas outdoors and breaking news, stay connected with KSNT 27 News through our mobile app and news email alerts.

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