A Kentucky fisherman recently made an impressive catch at Sam Rayburn Lake in Texas. Art Weston and his guide, Captain Kirk Kirkland, have gained a reputation for snagging monstrous alligator gar, and they returned to the lake hoping to break another record.
On their fishing trip, the duo encountered multiple large fish but unfortunately lost them. However, they remained determined and continued fishing, even drifting to the mouth of the Angelina River. There, they encountered a truly unusual catch – a 200-pound prehistoric alligator snapping turtle.
According to Captain Kirkland, they initially thought it was a turtle due to its unique fighting style. After a 30-minute battle, they were able to bring it up to the surface, but it wasn’t an easy task. The hook was lodged in the turtle’s front foot, and its aggressive behavior made it difficult to remove.
The men were careful to handle the turtle safely, as its powerful jaws and claws posed a threat. After successfully removing the hook and taking a few photos, they released the turtle back into the water. In Texas, alligator snapping turtles are a protected species, so it was important for the fishermen to follow regulations and release it back into the lake.
While fishing on the Sam Rayburn Lake, a Kentucky angler named Art Weston reeled in something a bit different from his usual catch: a 200-plus-pound alligator snapping turtle.
That’s Nature pic.twitter.com/HnNTmXwvtU
— Ayyan jillani (@RelevantPhantom) May 5, 2024
Despite this impressive catch, Weston and Kirkland still hoped to break a record. The following day, they were able to do just that. In another battle against a strong alligator gar, Weston was able to reel it in with a four-pound test line. The fish weighed in at a staggering 188 pounds, shattering the previous record of 117 pounds 3 ounces.
The fishermen quickly recorded their catch and released it back into the lake. They even applied to the International Game and Fishing Association for their record-breaking fish. If accepted, this marks Weston’s tenth world record for alligator gar and his 38th overall fishing record.
While fishing on the Sam Rayburn Lake, a Kentucky angler named Art Weston cuaght a 200-plus-pound alligator snapping turtle and also caught an extremely large alligator gar on a four-pound line the next day. Look at theise two prehistoric beast! pic.twitter.com/oQXoDCjGA9
— Sean chapman (@SChapman7414) May 6, 2024
This recent catch adds to Weston and Kirkland’s list of impressive achievements. In the past, they have reeled in a record-breaking 211-pound alligator gar and have gained recognition for their skills and expertise in catching this elusive fish species.
Overall, their latest fishing trip proved to be successful, with an unexpected catch of a prehistoric alligator snapping turtle and a record-breaking alligator gar. While these catches may seem unbelievable, they remind us of the diverse and impressive wildlife that can be found in our lakes and rivers.
20240505 TEXAS
Sam Rayburn Lake, Lufkin, Texas
Art Weston Catches a Prehistoric 200+ Pound Alligator Snapping Turtle and an Large Alligator Gar pic.twitter.com/0bArKwl6v6— Robert Waloven (@comlabman) May 5, 2024
