BIG SUNFISH

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- It almost a year to confirm, but a hybrid sunfish caught last may is the latest Illinois state fish record.

Originally thought to be a green sunfish, electrophoretic testing determined the two-pound, 4.48-ounce fish to be a hybrid bluegill/green sunfish mix.

Georgia M. Holland of Laton caught the fish from Jersey county farm pond, using a Floating rapalla on May 16, 1990. It was 12 inches long, and had a 12.5 inch girth.

Confirmation of the species was delayed while it was at a taxidermist's shop.

The fish betters the old hybrid sunfish record of 2 pounds, four ounces.