A Minnesota fisherman recently achieved a significant milestone in the angling world, reeling in a black crappie that officially broke the state record. This extraordinary catch, weighing in at an impressive 4.1 pounds, not only marks a personal triumph for the angler but also sets a new benchmark for black crappie in Minnesota’s waters. The story of this monumental catch, from its initial capture during an evening fishing trip to its official certification by state authorities, underscores the passion and dedication of sport fishermen.

On May 3rd, David Selle, accompanied by his friend Dylan, was enjoying an evening of fishing on Cedar Lake, near the vibrant skyline of Minneapolis. The conditions were ideal, with a prolific insect hatch drawing various fish species to the surface, creating a feeding frenzy. Selle and Dylan had already experienced a productive day, landing several sizable crappies and largemouth bass, when Selle felt a substantial tug on his line. Fishing in approximately six feet of water, he was using a spinning reel setup with a custom plastic jig under a bobber.

As dusk approached, around 6 p.m., Selle engaged in a strenuous battle with the fish. His friend, Dylan, skillfully managed to net the catch. Upon weighing it with their on-board scale, they realized they had potentially landed a record-breaking black crappie, showing an initial weight of 4.17 pounds. Despite Selle's usual practice of releasing his catches, Dylan's quick thinking emphasized the importance of officially verifying the fish's weight for record consideration.

The following day presented a challenge, as most official weighing stations were closed. In an unconventional but resourceful move, the anglers took their prized crappie, kept chilled in a cooler, to a nearby Walmart. There, a helpful deli clerk used a certified scale, which recorded the fish's weight at 4.1 pounds. This unofficial measurement was later corroborated by officials from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), who confirmed the black crappie's weight, along with its 18-inch length and over 16-inch girth, establishing it as the new state record.

This achievement officially surpasses the previous black crappie record of three pounds, 13 ounces, which was set in October 2024 by eight-year-old Axel Angelow, also caught in Cedar Lake. Selle, a devoted angler who frequents Minnesota's numerous lakes, is having his record-breaking crappie preserved by a taxidermist, a lasting memento of an extraordinary fishing day. The mounted fish will soon adorn a wall in his home, serving as a constant reminder of this remarkable angling success.