Archery seasons all around the country are closing in fast with as little as two months to go in some regions. If you want to beat the mid-summer heat NOW – look no further than bowfishing. Records beware!

On May 12, 2011, Akron Ohio resident, Zachary Jared was bowfishing at night on Turkeyfoot Lake in Summit County. It was there where he would arrow a record setting longnose gar that broke the tape at over 53 inches in length, weighing in at 19.21 pounds!

Bowfisherman, Zachary Jared, took this 53.1 inch longnose gar at night.

Jared’s record gar will replace the previous Ohio state record gar that measured over 50 inches and weighed in at 14.72 pounds. That gar came from the Little Miami River by bowfisher, Jake Kerstetter, on July 11, 2008 at mid-day.

Jared’s new record gar has been officially certified by the Outdoor Writers of Ohio State Record Fish Committee.

Congratulations Zachary on a fine longnose gar. The staff here at the Hunting Network wish you many more enjoyable seasons behind the bow - whether in tree or on a boat. Congrats again!