Angler reels in flashy, record-breaking fish, Oklahoma officials say. It’s a menace

A fisherman recently reeled in a record-breaking fish in Oklahoma, and wildlife officials are thanking him for it.

Stephen Banaszak was casting his line into the Red River when he snagged a flashy and destructive fish — a silver carp, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation said in a Sept. 5 news release.

Banaszak’s fish weighed in at 31.3 pounds, setting a new state record, the department said.

Officials congratulated Banaszak on his catch and also thanked him for removing the fish from Oklahoma waters, because it’s a menace.

Silver carp are an invasive species, the department said, adding that it’s “EXTREMELY important that these invaders are not released back into the water so they are not allowed to expand their range.”

“Not only could their presence lead to the demise of native species, but they can also become dangerous to boaters,” the department said.

Silver carp have infested entire sections of U.S. rivers and lakes, outcompeting native species and forcing them out, according to the National Park Service. But they also present a potential danger to humans, by leaping out of the water and hitting them.

“This behavior, by such large fish, can injure boaters, skiers, and damage boats and onboard equipment,” the park service said.

Silver carp are “easily disturbed,” according to the U.S. Geological Survey, and they will launch themselves skyward in response to any perceived threat, including the sound of a boat motor, passing trains or geese taking flight.

Even a rock thrown into a lake is enough to convince a silver carp it’s time to shoot out of the water like a missile, according to the USGS.

“Jumping fish have seriously injured many boaters and damaged boats,” the agency said. “Water skiing on the Missouri River is now exceedingly dangerous because most of the fish jump behind the boat.”

Originating from eastern Asia, silver carp were imported to the U.S. during the 1970s for use by fish farms and water treatment facilities to combat algae, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Due to flooding, silver carp were able to escape into the Mississippi River, the FWS said. From there, the species spread quickly and couldn’t be contained.

They’ve been reported in at least 20 states, from as far south as Texas and as far north as North Dakota, according to the FWS.

To ensure Oklahoma’s lakes and waterways aren’t ruined by these fish, state officials encourage others to follow Banaszak’s example by reeling in, and keeping, any silver carp that bites a hook.

“ODWC asks anglers to make a conscious effort to prevent any chance of spreading invasive species!” the department said.

This story was originally published September 6, 2023 at 1:02 PM with the headline "Angler reels in flashy, record-breaking fish, Oklahoma officials say. It’s a menace."