Salina man hauls fish from Milford Reservoir
PRATT — A new Kansas state record largemouth bass was caught in Milford Reservoir on April 4 and has been certified by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). Frank Evans Jr., of Salina, took the trophy fish on a jerk bait about 1 p.m. Evans' catch continues a Salina-Milford connection for large smallmouth bass. The previous state record of 6.68 pounds was also taken from Milford by a Salina resident, Jason Heis, in August of 2004.

Evans' fish was weighed on a certified scale and witnessed by William Evans Jr., of Schriever, La. KDWP fisheries biologist John Reinke confirmed the species of the fish, which was 21.5 inches long and 16.5 inches in girth.

A potential state record fish must remain intact until it is weighed and officially identified. Anyone who believes they have caught a state record fish must bring the fish to a grocery store or other business with certified scales as soon as possible. The weighing must be witnessed. The fish must be species-confirmed by a KDWP fisheries biologist or a Fisheries Section regional supervisor. (A tissue sample may be required.) A color photograph of the fish must accompany the application. The fish must be weighed before it is frozen.

All applications for state records require a 30-day waiting period before certification. For a list of Kansas state record fish, visit the KDWP website, www.kdpw.state.ks.us, or pick up a copy of the Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary wherever licenses are sold.