Chance Williams of Harrison, Arkansas, was bowfishing in Bull Shoals Lake recently when he put the bull’s-eye on a state record. Williams harvested an unusually large quillback carpsucker measuring 22 inches and weighing 8 pounds, topping the previous mark by 1 pound, 7 ounces.
Williams said, “When I shot the fish, I thought it was a small buffalo, but to my surprise it was a very large quillback.” This Arkansas state record for unrestricted tackle (not using rod and reel) tops the previous record for quillback carpsucker held by Caleb Broeker. It just so happens that Williams and Broeker know each other, so a friendly rivalry for the next state record likely has begun.
Williams’ impressive quillback is one of several state fishing records set on Bull Shoals Lake. Other current records from the fishery include smallmouth bass, spotted bass and American eel. Bull Shoals Lake also holds the state records in Missouri for largemouth bass, walleye and striped bass.
Whether you’re just hoping for a good day on the lake or aiming to catch the next state record, we hope you’ll give Bull Shoals Lake a try!