Teen Beats State Record By Catching 48-Pound Salmon In Lake Michigan

A 19-year-old teen set the Michigan state record for catching the largest fish in the state.

According to MLive, Luis R. Martinez was fishing off Big Sable Point in Mason County when he caught a 47.86-pound Chinook salmon. Michigan Department of Natural Resources Lake Michigan basin Coordinator Jay K. Wesley said the salmon was 47.5-inches long.

"It is an exciting day for Lake Michigan and the Port of Ludington," Wesley said. "We have all worked hard to maintain a healthy fishery in Lake Michigan. These big and healthy fish are a great sign for the future of Lake Michigan."

Martinez was fishing on a boat owned by Icebreaker Charters and the salmon was weighed on a certified scale at Northside Market in Ludington.

DNR records show that the previous record for the biggest fish caught in Michigan was set in 1978, with a fish weighing 46-pounds and 43.5-inches long.

Captain Chuck's II Inc. posted pictures of the fish and a video of the official fish weigh-in on Facebook. He captioned the post with the photos:

"It is official a NEW STATE RECORD!!!!!! On a certified scale, this monster went over 47 pounds. Congratulations Luis on a fish of a lifetime. Also a big shout out to Northside Market for the use of their scale. And congratulations to Capt. Bobby of Icebreaker Charters. #icebreakercharters #ludington #moonshinelures"