The Rock River’s “shovelnose shuffle” in Illinois took a break in 2023, but has started 2024 with a new step: Steve Pohlmeier’s 12.95-pound catch.
Three state record shovelnose were caught on the river in 2021 and 2022, each by members of the Gustafson family. Pohlmeier, incidentally, happens to be friends with Troy Gustafson, who broke the shovelnose record in November 2021. Troy’s uncle, Marty Gustafson, broke the record in December 2021. Troy’s son, Kashten Gustafson, smashed the shovelnose record again in October 2022. Troy Gustafson was fishing with Pohlmeier when the latest record was broken on Jan. 4.
Illinois’ Rock River produces another state-record shovelnose sturgeon
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