Big Catch from Savannah: New State-Record Lane Snapper
Savannah has become the talk of the town after 24-year-old Marcus M. Hannon landed a stunning Lane Snapper weighing a whopping 2 pounds, 15.8 ounces! This big catch, reeled in on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Savannah Snapper Banks, is officially the new state-record holder and also marks a new species for the Georgia Saltwater Game Fish Records Program.
A Day to Remember
Picture this: Marcus, excited as can be, headed out for a day of bottom fishing about 30 miles east of Wassaw Sound. Equipped with a trusty 7-foot, 6-inch Ugly Stik rod and a Penn Fierce IV 5000 spinning reel loaded with 60-pound braided line, he was ready to reel in a big one. Using a fiddler crab as bait and a special chicken rig featuring two circle hooks and a sinker, Hannon was ready for action.
The fishing trip was aboard a recreational vessel captained by Zach Hollick, also from Savannah. Little did they know, they were about to make history!
Measuring Up
The impressive Lane Snapper measured 18 3/8 inches in total length and had a girth of 12 1/2 inches. After the big catch, Hannon was eager to find out if he had set a new record. The fish was carefully weighed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources staff using certified scales at the Richmond Hill Hatchery that very day.
A Historic Achievement
This remarkable achievement was not just a personal victory for Marcus; it has solidified its place in Georgia’s fishing lore. Tyler Jones, coordinator of the Coastal Resources Division’s Saltwater Game Fish Records Program, praised Marcus, saying, “Setting a state record is a milestone few anglers achieve, and establishing a new species for the record program makes this accomplishment even more remarkable.”
In addition to the glory that comes with the record, Hannon will also receive an official certificate signed by Governor Brian Kemp, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Walter Rabon, and CRD Director Doug Haymans.
Spotlight on Sustainable Fishing
While it’s a time for celebration, the Coastal Resources Division is also keen to highlight the importance of sustainable fishing practices. As it stands, offshore anglers are reminded that descending devices are required when fishing for snapper-group species in federal waters. These devices are designed to reduce fish mortality that can occur due to barotrauma – a common problem for deep-sea catches.
Furthermore, Georgia fishermen are reminded to hold a valid recreational fishing license and a complimentary Saltwater Information Permit (SIP). Anglers must also adhere to size and possession limits to help maintain sustainable fisheries.
Join the Celebration
Hannon’s name will soon be featured in the next Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations Guide and on the CoastalGaDNR.org/SaltwaterRecords website as long as the record holds. It’s not just about the catch but also about the story it adds to Georgia’s fishing fabric, inspiring anglers everywhere to get out and fish responsibly.
As the Coastal Resources Division continues its mission to balance coastal development and conservation, they also invite everyone to take part in this rich heritage of fishing in Georgia. So, whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting, this state record underscores the thrill, tradition, and responsibility of fishing.
