Washington man lands state-record carp

A couple of weeks ago, Washington’s Jordon Miller landed a state-state record common carp while working at his side job.

It’s not bad work if you can get it.

Miller, 26, has found he has been able to find quite a bit of action since starting his side job earlier this year, as Nocturnal Addiction Bowfishing has gotten off to a rousing start.

Miller’s state-record carp came in at 49 pounds, 7 ounces. He just sent it off to be mounted, with the mount including an arrow in the massive fish, which was shot in the Youghiogheny Reservoir.

“You don’t hear of many people getting carp mounted, but I am,” Miller said.

What better way to show people just what you can do when bowfishing?

Miller, a Trinity High School graduate and safety coordinator for a local gas and oil company, had been bowfishing for the better part of a decade. But it was only in recent years he started giving thought to opening a a business of his own.

“I would travel the country and go bowfishing, but there wasn’t anybody doing it here,” Miller said. “We have some great fishing here and I thought, why not?

“I had been taking my family and friends out the past couple of years but we officially started the company this year.”

Miller is a licensed professional guide and has his boat set up specifically for bowfishing with specially fitted platforms and lighting. The cost of the boat was $40,000, while each bow he provides for those who go on his charters cost up to $500.

All the of fishing is done at night.

“It truly is fun,” Miller said. “You get a completely different perspective fishing from the boat at night than people do fishing from the bank. You see a lot of different wildlife and when the water is clear, you can see six feet or more down. You’ll see gar, beavers, all kinds of animal life.”

Addiction Bowfishing’s basic trips cost $125 per angler, with a minimum of two shooters and a maximum of four for trips that are within 1 1/2 hours of his base in Washington. Longer trips can be booked for an additional charge.

“I provide all the equipment,” said Miller. “They just have to provide a valid Pa. fishing license.”

And perhaps his next trip out will net the next state record.

To book a trip, visit http://www.nocturnaladdictionbowfishing.com/ or call 724-747-7768 or 724-747-8016.

• The Chestnut Ridge Trout Unlimited chapter will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. April 13 at Hampton Inn & Suites in California.

The agenda will include an update from Donna Riggle on watershed activities in Washington County, a presentation by Jason White, president of Marianna Outdoorsmen Association on the club’s upcoming canoe race in Tenmile Creek and fly tying demonstrations in preparation for this year’s cicada hatch.

For information, call 724-554-0119.

• The 21st Pike Run Youth Fishing Festival will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 23 at Rotary Park in California.

The event is free and open to children ages 15 and younger. A parent, guardian or responsible adult must accompany children younger than 13. Registration begins at 7 a.m.

The Pike Run Fishing Festival Committee will stock nearly 600 trout in Pike Run for the event. Stocking will be done at 2 p.m. April 22. Youths are encouraged to attend.

Fishing equipment will be made available.

The festival is organized by California University Parks and Recreation Management program, Parks and Recreation Student Society, the Recreation Program Planning class, California University Eco-Learning Community, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, California Rotary and California Borough along with its recreation authority.

Outdoors Editor F. Dale Lolley can be reached at [email protected].

Source: Washington man lands state-record carp