On February 24, 2026, Viktor Gelman from Warwick caught a potential new state-record American pike in Greenwood Lake, weighing 20.47 kg and measuring 132.4 cm in length. This catch may surpass the previous record set in 1997, when Bob Neals caught a pike weighing 19.42 kg. The official weighing of Gelman's catch took place the same evening on a certified scale, and documentation for record verification has been submitted.

Gelman ventured out for fishing shortly after the East Coast of the USA was hit by a massive snowstorm that was described by some as the 'storm of the century.' The storm caused severe disruptions across several regions, with snowfall reaching up to 104 cm and over 650,000 people left without power. The blizzard led to emergency declarations and hurricane-force winds, making Gelman's successful catch even more remarkable given the challenging conditions.

Despite spending eight hours fishing with only one bite throughout the day, Gelman's persistence paid off with the record-setting catch, showcasing both his skill and patience as an angler. If confirmed, this achievement will not only mark a new personal milestone for Gelman but also a noteworthy moment in New Jersey fishing history, potentially inspiring other anglers amidst extreme weather conditions.