Record-Breaking Cast: Linton Dentist and 9-Year-Old Son Dominate Indiana’s 2025 Fishing Awards
LINTON, Ind. — For Steven Kellett and his 9-year-old son, Landon, fishing is more than just a hobby—it’s a record-breaking family legacy. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced the winners of the 2025 "Fish of the Year" (FOTY) program, and the Kellett family from Greene County has officially etched their names into the history books.
A New State Record
Steven Kellett, a local dentist in Linton, set a massive new statewide record by securing 17 winning catchesin a single year. This achievement eclipses the previous record of 15 winning catches set by Liu He of West Lafayette back in 2022.
The Fish of the Year program recognizes anglers who catch the longest fish of each species tracked by the DNR across Indiana’s diverse waterways. Steven’s haul included impressive specimens from various habitats, such as:
Channel Catfish: 25.5 inches (Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area)
Saugeye: 22.25 inches (Whitewater River)
Brown Trout: 21.5 inches (Private pond)
Like Father, Like Son
The talent clearly runs in the family. Nine-year-old Landon Kellett proved to be a formidable angler in his own right, appearing five times on the 2025 FOTY winner list.
Landon’s most notable catches included a 28-inch Black Buffalo pulled from the Wabash River and an 18.5-inch Shorthead Redhorse from the Tippecanoe River. His success highlights the diversity of Indiana's fish population, ranging from large river species to smaller catches like the 2-inch Blackstripe Topminnow.
More Than Just Competition
Despite the competitive nature of the records, for Steven Kellett, the program is primarily a tool for bonding and education.
"Spending father/son time away from the everyday stresses of life means everything to me," Steven told the DNR. "I have awesome memories fishing with my dad and grandfather, and I want Landon to have some of the same experiences that I did."
The duo uses the competition to stay "goal-driven," logging their catches to track trends, locations, and baits. For the Kelletts, it's not just about the length of the fish, but about disconnecting from a tech-driven culture and building memories that will last a lifetime.
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