Tennessee Angler Sets Northern Hogsucker Record
Heath Jordan landed a record-breaking fish in the Ocoee River on October 8.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Fishing
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Heath Jordan set a new Tennessee state record for a Northern hogsucker after catching a 2-pound, 10.4-ounce specimen on October 8. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officially verified the catch, which was made downstream from the Ocoee Dam.
Why it matters
The catch represents a new benchmark for state fishing records, surpassing the previous record by over an ounce. Verification by wildlife experts ensures the legitimacy of the new record within Tennessee sport fishing logs.
The record-setting Northern hogsucker weighed 2 pounds, 10.4 ounces. Jordan utilized a 1/64-ounce Crappie Magnet jig head paired with shad bait on 4-pound test line to secure the catch.
The players
Heath Jordan
Heath Jordan is a recreational angler and current Tennessee state record holder for both Northern hogsucker and spotted sucker.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is the state government entity responsible for the management of fish and wildlife resources and the verification of state records.
The details
Jordan successfully sight-fished for the specimen downstream from the Ocoee Dam. This achievement adds to Jordan's fishing history, as he also holds the Tennessee Class B record for spotted sucker.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: Heath Jordan caught the record Northern hogsucker.
Culture Shift
The catch follows established protocols within the Tennessee state record fishing program to track unique local species. It marks a formal update to the state's historical registry of record-sized fish.
Anglers in the region can look to the Ocoee River as a productive area for record-sized suckers. Successfully landing such a fish requires specialized, light-tackle techniques, such as the use of 4-pound test line and small jigs.
The takeaway
Targeting specific species through sight-fishing can significantly improve an angler's odds of landing a record-sized fish. Utilizing lightweight tackle often provides the necessary precision to entice species that are otherwise difficult to hook.
Further reading
For more information on state angling records, visit the Tennessee Fishing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTVC.
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