Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations World Record Pumpkinseed Tie?

As a taxidermist I just got a call this evening from an angler's dad that his son caught a couple of fish he couldn't identify. I went to the house and was confronted by two enormous fish in a bathtub that are dead ringers for pumpkinseeds (Lepomis gibbosus). However the only thing they lack are the redtips to the opercle. I'm assuming they are bluegill/pumpkinseed hybrids and will have a biologist identify them tomorrow (it's too late today).

I always thought a bluegill/pumpkinseed hybrid is inferior to the bluegill and does not grow to large size. But the biggest one is 11 inches long and 6 inches wide. It weighs on my produce/meat scale at 1 lb 6 oz.

I see on the Internet the official world record is 1 lb 6 oz from New York unless that has been broken. Anyone know what the official world record is at this time? Unfortunately my state of Indiana does not have a state record for the pumpkinseed if it is classified as such.

It was too late to save the biggest one, and I have it on ice (if somehow the state does make a category for a pumpkinseed it would be disqualified if frozen), but the smaller one I have been able to keep alive in a .33 percent salt solution and aerator. I'm doing that keep the colors vibrant for Identification as the one that expired has already started to darken up.

If anyone is interested I'll keep you posted.

Yes...Let us know!!

Turns out the pumpkinseed will be a world record whether it is a pure pumpkinseed or pumkinseed hybrid. They told me at IGFA their offical record is 1 lb. 6 oz. and the 2 lb 4 oz fish was never submitted to them. If it is a hybrid they will make a category for it. If it is a pure pumpkinseed it will be a tie for the world record and will be listed as such.

However, my state will consider it a state record only most likey if it is found to be a pure pumpkinseed. It's gonna come down to a DNA test probably of a certain PHD in Illinois can help us.