So far in 2017, Illinois has had record fish for whitefish (three times), burbot ... fisheries chief Dan Stephenson: We have a new state record hybrid striped bass by over a pound.

Illinois offers excellent muskie fishing ... He is one whom I feel can catch a new state record fish because he spends so much time on the river. Closest to Chicago is Heidecke Lake near Morris.

It was confirmed as a state record in April. Courtesy of Phillip Albert via Facebook Phillip Albert knew he had a good chance of sticking some big fish the evening of Feb. 20, when he headed out alone ...