SEVERAL FISHING RECORDS BROKE THIS SPRING

Minnesota anglers are reeling in record catches this spring. The Department of Natural Resources says nine state fishing records have already been broken this year, well above the usual five to seven. DNR Fisheries Consultant Mandy Erickson calls the surge unusual, especially given the wide variety of species on the list. Seven of those records were catch-and-release. One standout: an 80-inch lake sturgeon, a milestone that signals the species is thriving and meeting long-term population goals. The DNR says if you think you’ve hooked a record fish, you can find submission details on its website.