The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has recently removed a local fisherman’s state record for a white crappie, after an investigation into the validity of the fish’s weight. On April 4, 2023, Bobby Parkhurst was awarded the state record for reeling in a white crappie weighing 4.07 pounds, according to the KDWP. However, just five days after certifying the record, the department received a tip from an eyewitness questioning the fisherman’s catch and claiming it may not be accurate.
After receiving the tip, the KDWP took action to investigate the allegations and preserve the integrity of their state record program. The eyewitness alleged that the fish had been weighed at multiple locations, and at one point, it was recorded as only weighing 3.73 pounds. In response, the department reached out to Parkhurst for a re-examination of the fish, which he voluntarily agreed to.
During the re-examination, KDWP game wardens used a handheld metal detector to scan the fish, which detected the presence of metal. As a result, the wardens took the fish to the Topeka Zoo for an X-ray examination. The X-ray revealed the presence of two steel ball bearings inside the crappie, which raised suspicions about the accuracy of the fish’s weight.
Based on the findings, the KDWP made the difficult decision to remove Parkhurst’s state record for the white crappie. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Nadia Marji, chief public affairs and engagement officer with the KDWP, said, “When staff used a handheld metal detector to scan the fish, the device detected the presence of metal. Wardens then took the fish to the Topeka Zoo for X-ray examination where it was revealed that two steel ball bearings were inside the crappie.”
As a result of the removed record, the previous state record set by Frank Miller in 1964 has been reinstated. Miller caught a 4.02-pound, 17.5-inch white crappie, which is now recognized as the official state record. The fish caught by Parkhurst has been made available to return to him, according to Marji.
The case has not yet been brought to court, so the department cannot comment on how the steel balls got inside the fish. However, this is not the first time officials have had to investigate weighted fishing scandals. In a similar case, two Ohio fishermen were sentenced to ten days in jail and had to forfeit their $100,000 boat after admitting to stuffing fish with lead weights to win prize money in a state fishing tournament. The duo also received a three-year suspension on their fishing licenses as part of their plea agreement.
The investigation and removal of Parkhurst’s state record serve as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in fishing competitions. Wildlife and park departments rely on anglers to accurately report their catches and follow regulations. Any attempts to cheat or deceive can have serious consequences, as seen in this case.
The KDWP is committed to upholding the integrity of their state record program and will continue to investigate any suspicious activity. They urge anglers to report any potential violations or concerns to their local wildlife and park office. As for Parkhurst, he may have lost his record, but the returned fish and an official apology from the department can serve as a reminder to always play fair in the sport of fishing.
