The first ever submission for an Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) bowfishing record was submitted early this May by Bowfishing Association of Illinois (BAI) member, Jacob Dupes.

Jacob Dupes holding the NEW (and first) record Illinois bowfishing Grass Carp.

Jacob was bowfishing the DesPlaines River near Wilmington when he saw the 33.7 lbs. Grass Carp a mere 15 yards in front of his boat.

“After the fish pulled his boat around the river for a while, he was able to get it close enough to gaff and set the new record”, stated BAI President, Ed Devries.

The NEW record Grass Carp measured 41 inches long!

Jacob’s NEW Illinois bowfishing record Grass Carp was 41 inches long with a 24 inch girth.

Congratulations Jacob! We have a feeling though, this is just the beginning of a long line of NEW record fish for the state of Illinois. Don’t let it slip away!