Teen catches Missouri record fish at Lake Taneycomo

LAKE TANEYCOMO, Mo -- Riley Isaacs, 17, etched his name in the record books earlier this month while bowfishing on Lake Taneycomo.

The Missouri Department of Conservation says the Bradleyville native was caught a 2-pound, 3 ounce redear fish, also known as a sun perch. Isaacs set the record using the bowfishing method on April 18, which is considered an "alternative method" by the MDC. Isaacs broke the record for alternative methods by a single ounce, which was also caught on Lake Taneycomo in 2022.

It is the first state-record fish in the state of Missouri for 2025. Isaacs, who was leading a bowfishing group as a guide, told the MDC he was originally fishing for carp but had to end the trip early due to weather. Once the storms passed, his group decided to get back on the water for a bit. He has come close to breaking the record before.

"I've shot three more of the redear sunfish, and I've missed the state record either by an ounce or two ounces each time, and now I’ve finally got the record,” Isaacs told MDC officials.

According to the MDC, fish are recognized for state records in two categories: pole-and-line and alternative methods. Other methods include trotline, throwline, bank line, jug line, bow, gig, crossbow, spearfishing, snagging, snaring, grabbing, and atlatl.