An angler recently broke the Connecticut state fishing record by reeling in a freshwater fish weighing nearly 50 pounds.
The Connecticut Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the big catch on its Facebook page Wednesday. Angler Brian Santos recently reeled in the giant carp in Lake Lillinonah, which straddles Litchfield, Fairfield and New Haven counties.
State officials reported the carp weighed 45 pounds, 5 ounces. The previous record was 45 pounds, 1 ounce, also caught in Lake Lillinonah, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
“Tis the season for congratulations,” the post read, “this time to Brian Santos, who holds the new state record for catch and release carp (weight).”
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Connecticut authorities say Brian Santos caught the giant carp in Lake Lillinonah. (Connecticut Department of Fish and Wildlife via Facebook)
“Well done, Brian,” the post added.
The agency shared a photo of the angler holding the massive fish in both hands, and the comments section of the Facebook post was filled with congratulatory messages.
“That’s a beast!!!” commented one local resident.
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“Seriously?! Congratulations!” said another fan.
Contrary to popular belief, carp are not an invasive species in Connecticut. (Google Maps | iStock)
DEEP’s website explains that unlike Asian carp, common carp are not an invasive species in Connecticut.
“Carp were introduced to Connecticut waters after the Industrial Revolution and were originally released as a food source,” the website notes. “Carp maintain their own populations by reproducing in the wild.”
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“Carp are often found in four forms, each of which is an adaptation, or ‘morph,’ of the carp with complete scales.”
The government website explains that the species also has a reputation as a “trash fish” because it can survive in polluted water.
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The previous record carp for Connecticut was caught in Lake Lillinonah. (Google Maps)
“Although carp’s feeding behavior, which involves digging up bottom sediments in search of food, can cause localized turbidity problems, these conditions are temporary and are not the root cause of the water quality problems seen in Connecticut,” the website states.
“But if the carp population becomes too large in a particular area (rivers or lakes), reduced water clarity could become a more long-term problem.”
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Fox News Digital reached out to the Connecticut Department of Fish and Wildlife for additional comment but did not immediately receive a response.
