Missouri man credits cow with helping him accomplish decade-long fishing goal

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Missouri man is thanking a cow for helping him catch his state fishing record.

The Missouri Department of Conservation has announced that John Goad of Jefferson City, Missouri, has tied the current state record for longear sunfish. The previous sole record holder caught their fish on a private pond in Franklin County on July 3, 2021.

Goad said he used a throw-line on Frieda Lake in Crawford County on May 8 when he caught the 5-ounce fish. 

“I’ve been fishing this lake for around 10 years, and I’ve caught crappie, bass, bluegill – all pretty good sizes,” Goad said. “But I’ve known there are good-sized sunfish for about 7 or 8 years, and I’ve been trying to catch a record ever since.”