Man Catches Largest Silver Carp in Oklahoma History and Vows to Keep After the Invasive Fish

An experienced angler with several other records has gone on to set another in the state of Oklahoma for the largest silver carp. However, his purpose for pursuing this supersized fish isn’t for state records but for an entirely different reason.

Stephen Banaszak is a bow fisherman from Denison, Texas, as well as a popular YouTuber. While he is known best for angling, Banaszak has recently been embarking on a journey targeting silver and bighead carp. The reason why? These fish are highly invasive in Oklahoma, as well as in his home state of Texas. Banaszak’s goal is to help remove these species from the water.

This newest Oklahoma state record-breaker weighs in at just around 31 pounds. 

Species Profile: Silver Carp

The silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) is a freshwater fish native to China and Siberia. In the wild, in its native region, it is considered to be a near-threatened species. On average, they reach a length between 24 and 39 inches, with some growing to be as heavy as 110 pounds. 

Silver carp has been introduced to over 80 countries worldwide, including the United States. Outside of China and eastern Siberia, where they are native, they are an invasive species. They can wreak havoc on natural ecosystems due to the lack of natural competition and predators. They have high spawning rates, which can allow for the population to grow quickly.  

What Is Bow Fishing?

One of the most interesting aspects about Stephen Banaszak’s big catch isn’t just its size but how Banaszak caught it. Rather than typical line-and-reel fishing, the largest silver carp in Oklahoma was caught through bow fishing. 

With bow fishing, anglers used specialized archery equipment instead of a fishing rod. The arrow is tethered with a line, allowing the angler to shoot it and the fish before manually reeling it. It is similar to spearfishing. Bow fishing relies on the angler’s visual perception rather than specialized bait and lures or other reel-fishing techniques. It also relies on their marksman abilities. Because of this, it can provide a unique way to experience fishing.