FARGO, Ga. — For the third time in less than a year, Georgia’s record books have a new entry for the state’s largest spotted sunfish.
Josh Forsythe of Homerville, Ga., reeled in a 0 lb, 13 oz fish from the Suwannee River on May 5, surpassing the previous state record of 0 lb, 12 oz.
Forsythe, who was fishing with his 5-year-old daughter, said the Suwannee River has been one of his favorite fishing spots for over 15 years.
“We were out bream fishing, and I landed this spotted sunfish using topwater bait,” Forsythe said. “For big ones, wait until river levels are below 4 feet and try topwater bugs. Beetle spins, crickets, or worms under a cork can work too.”
Spotted sunfish, also known as “stumpknockers” due to their habit of hanging around stumps for food, are commonly found in Georgia’s river basins, including the Suwannee, Ocmulgee, and Altamaha.
These small but feisty fish are recognized by their dark olive sides, black speckling, and dusky orange fins, according to a press release from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. They typically weigh under half a pound and thrive in vegetated, slow-moving streams and shallow ponds.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) praised the achievement.
“Maybe hearing about that state record tie for spotted sunfish fired up some folks to land a new record – and we love to see it,” said WRD Chief of Fisheries Scott Robinson. “Are you the next state record holder? Georgia offers some of the best angling opportunities anywhere — so Let’s Go Fish Georgia!”
Anglers can support fisheries conservation efforts by purchasing a Georgia fishing license at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.
Proceeds help fund public fishing areas, habitat maintenance, and fisheries research.
For more fishing news and weekly tips, visit the WRD blog at GeorgiaWildlife.blog/category/fishing/ or explore state record rules and achievements at GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing/recordprogram/rules.
