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Bill Hilts, Jr.: Remembering New York’s rainbow/steelhead record fish 20 years later

Rob Wilson, of Ohio, with his New York State record 31-pound, 3-ounce rainbow/steelhead caught in 2004. (Contributed photo)

Do you know what the New York State freshwater fish record catches are? 
Based on my personal experiences, I would have to say most people would not. They may know a few of their favorites (ballpark weights) but actual records would be limited. I had a couple friends through the years catch record fish and either didn’t realize it or didn’t care to enter it for personal reasons. One was an 18-plus pound walleye in the lower Niagara River 30 years ago.

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