It was a record-breaking season in New York State as three fishermen had record-breaking catches.

On Monday, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos announced a new state record fish, the third this year, was caught, breaking a longstanding record for longnose gar.

Michael Gatus of Hoosick Falls caught a 14 lb., 10 oz., longnose gar from Lake Champlain in Washington County on Aug. 18 using chunk bait, according to the DEC. The catch broke a New York State record set in 1999 by nearly two pounds.

"Fishing is better than ever in New York State, and Mr. Gatus' noteworthy catch is a great example of the world-class angling opportunities our state has to offer," Seggos said in a press release. "Whether it's bass, trout, or lesser-known species like longnose gar, New York has something for everyone when it comes to fishing."

Gatus was actually fishing for channel catfish in Lake Champlain's South Bay in Whitehall when he bested the state record, officials say.

Gatus joins William Wightman's 4 lb., 1 oz. black crappie caught from Lake Flavia, Cattaraugus County, on May 6, and Brian Hartman's 18 lb., 2 oz. walleye from the St. Lawrence River on May 5 as new state records set in 2018, according to the DEC.

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