Paddlefish
A paddlefish’s face and head is the stuff of nightmares, but don’t worry, despite their large mouths, they only feed on tiny zooplankton. Their elongated snout, known as a rostrum, can detect weak electrical fields, aiding them in their search for food. The American paddlefish is one of the largest freshwater fish in North America, capable of reaching five feet in length and weigh over 100 pounds. Found in many river systems across central U.S., the paddlefish is unique for gamefish as they are not taken by conventional rod-and-reel approach. Instead, bowfishing, spear, and snagging are the primary ways to catch a paddlefish.
Ocean Sunfish
These odd-looking fish hold the distinction as being the heaviest bony fish in the world, capable of weighing well over 2,000 pounds. Their shape, however, is what truly sets them apart. They have a flattened body laterally, look- ing oval-shaped when seen head on, but as flat as paper from the side. An oversized dorsal and anal fin, com- bined with a long body, make it ap- pear that the fish has been cut off from the back as they lack a lengthy tail fin of any kind. They can be found in temperate and tropical wa- ters of every ocean in the world.
Alligator Gar
This prehistoric-looking fish is a popular tar- get for anglers, especially in south central U.S. They can grow over eight feet in length and weigh over 300 pounds, and put up an excellent fight, whether by rod-and-reel or by bowfishing. The alligator gar is so named be- cause of their mouth, which resemble the elongated snout and teeth of the large rep- tile. Not only are they a worthy foe for an- glers and bowfishers, they are a tough fish in general, as they can survive outside of water for upwards of two hours. Their flesh is con- sidered a delicacy in the U.S.
I Shoot and Fish E-Zine March 2012 27
Aaron Stone with his state record paddlefish - 125-lb, 7-oz
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