The largest catfish ever caught, according to The Guiness Book of World Records, was a Mekong giant catfish that weighed 646 pounds. Splash is her name, and being the World-Record Blue Catfish is her fame. This fish unofficially weighed 106 pounds, which would have been big enough to be the new Texas state record had it been weighed on an official scale. I dont know if theres anybody else out there whos caught a big fish like that noodling. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. Jacob Land, 19, landed the 41-inch catfish while kayak fishing with Austin Scheider on April 7. The all-tackle world record Eurasian catfish was caught July 4, 1997 by angler Shoji Matsuura from Lake Biwa in Shiga, Japan. Leave the stink baits for the Channel Cats and Bullheads. I looked down and probably a foot of her tail was still on the ground.. What's the biggest fish ever caught in Tennessee? While most of the sub-species of Catfish found in Texas are Bullheads , the Lone Star State is also home to the "Big 3" - Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfish . Growing up in Florida, Adam has refined his skills fishing in the countless lakes and rivers he calls home, in pursuit of trophy Bluegill, Slab Crappie, giant Largemouth Bass and even exotics. If you want to specifically target Flathead Catfish, be sure your bait is alive! Another requirement for fishing this brush is braided line. The 21-pound 3-ounce fish smashed the previous state record of 12-pounds 7.5-ounces. Live or cut shad are probably the most popular choice. Land released his catfish after obtaining its weight and length. Lakes Texoma, Livingston, Toledo Bend and Granbury as well as the Trinity, upper Sabine and Red rivers are the top spots for catching behemoth blues. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. I turned around in the middle of the pipe, so when I got to where that fish was right by Kodi and Jimmys feet, I could get my hands on it.. Gerald Burleigh of Orangefield likes to fish these areas on Toledo Bend and on Lake Livingston. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Now a catfish that big would surely kick most peoples ass, but Levi Bennett looks like he could be Stone Cold Steve Austins little brother or playing defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys. Remember, your bait selection and fishing location are the best way to target a specific type of Catfish. Maybe the fairytale-like River Walk and gorgeous skyline? When viewing a surface map it may seem as if they river ends where the bay begins, but things may look different when viewed from the perspective offered by a depthfinder or a detailed topographical chart. Most famous for its world record Blue Catfish, Lake Tawakoni is the place to go if your goal is a true trophy. I was in amazement. tournament-winner. It just might be the largest fish ever caught by noodling, a technique in which you literally entice a catfish to bite your hand and then wrestle it out of the water. They get big, too. Catfish can be extremely finicky. Hismedia career began in 2004, when he landed the summer gig of a lifetime, as an editorial intern for Field & Stream. Weighing in at 37 pounds, 14 ounces, the cat measured 46.46 inches with a chunky 39-inch girth. Lake Livingston is another behemoth reservoir, spanning 90,000 acres on the Trinity River. Another method of chumming that is catching on in Texas does not really involve chumming it all. He knew then that hed topped a family record of 96 pounds, set by an uncle back in the 1960s, that hed been told time and again was unbreakable. Research shows that the fish was 23 years old. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Whats the first thing that comes to mind when you think of San Antonio? The state record, an 18.18-pound largemouth bass caught at Lake Fork, has stood since 1992. Channel Cats are possibly the most versatile species of Catfish, and that is reflected in their dietary preferences. Big Flathead Catfish call this river system home, including a 40.5 pounder caught in April 2022 by Chase Owen Kime. Consider booking a charter or guided trip during the cold summer months when most Blue Catfish over 40 pounds are caught. Texas Lakes Are Drying Up Amid the Heat and Drought The New York Times. GBRA reports that the water flow at the McQueeney Dam peaked at 46,000 cfs (cubic feet per second). In Texas, its easy to get confused between Blue and Channel Catfish, so its important to know how to tell the difference between them. He's been contacted bombarded by a media blitz ever since as news outlets from as far away as Maine pick up on the . Nothing grabs our attention quite like a mean, toothy monster muskie, and few gamefish can match the pound-for-pound frenzy of catching a slab crappie. This method requires a rod with plenty of backbone to yank the fish from the cover. Paddlefish 164 lbs. I think we get more thrill out of the experience of it than a record. Caught using Demon Dragons: www.demondragons.com Verified by the Texas Trophy Catfish. The preferred method of wading is to cruise the shoreline and cast parallel to the bank and out into the creek channel itself. With Blue Catfish, the anal fin has a straight edge and 3036 rays. A clutch of fresh-caught crappie can make for mighty good eatinunless, that is, theyre woefully undersized. Sign up to receive exclusive discounts from Whiskey Riff Shop and breaking news. The 3,000-acre Fayette County Reservoir near La Grange is an overlooked but excellent choice. You just dont see fish like that very often. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You need a durable and heavy pound test line to fight Catfish around the logs, rocks, and structure they often call home. What is the biggest catfish caught in the world? Use a medium-heavy casting rod and a floating rig with large live shiners or perch for bait. Juvenile bluegill, shiners, and even small bullhead catfish are excellent live bait choices for Texas Flatheads. Home to Channel, Flathead, and Blue Catfish, Lake Corpus Christi offers a little bit of everything. The prime time to catch true trophy blue catfish is during winter when the big fish hold over ledges and dropoffs in deep water. He uses 14/0 circle hooks on all his lines. Ask the local bait and tackle shops for the latest stink bait recipe and youre sure to get some bites. This big-cat fishing may become frustrating, but it will all be worthwhile when that monster catfish doubles over your rod and puts your muscles to the test. There have long been rumors of blue catfish as large as 300 to 350 pounds though none this large have ever been caught and officially weighed. A RIFF on what makes the great outdoorsgreat. He just bumped my foot. Another spot to consider during incoming tides is the river channel itself, which often extends into the bay. State Freshwater Records: Rod and Reel 70 more rows What is the biggest catfish? 7 all-time in Texas. Record Flathead Catfish Weight: 123 lbs (55.79 kg) Length: 5.08 ft (1.55 m) Location: Elk City Reservoir, Kansas, USA. In August 2019, the GBRA announced that Lake Gonzales, Meadow Lake, Lake Placid and Lake McQueeney would be drained due to concerns over aging dams. Its official, Lionel Fergusons 5-pound, 7-ounce black crappie is the new IGFA All-Tackle world record! r/Fishing . A Mozambique court has sentenced a Vietnamese woman to 16 years in prison for possession and trafficking of lion and rhinoceros parts. Top 9 Spring Break Fishing Destinations for 2 2023 FishingBooker.com. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Known for its abundant Channel Catfish, this is a great place to fill the cooler, or try your luck at a night-time Flathead during the summer months. Ken Paulie with the world-record flathead caught in 1998. Lake Lewisville is a 29,592 acre impoundment on the Trinity River in Denton County. And, if youre lucky you may even hook into a prehistoric Alligator Gar, too! Go to Appearance > Customize > Subscribe Pop-up to set this up. After being caught, Thai villagers tried to keep it alive but despite great efforts, it sadly passed away. Try using cut shad on sandbars adjacent to the many boulder fields. He didnt believe me when I said it was huge.. The record was set in 1959 by Alfred Dean off the coast of Ceduna, Australia. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Drink with us. The lake record Blue Catfish was caught by Gregory Pavur in March 2020, weighing in at 42.14 pounds. The giant lakes and reservoirs in Texas get a lot of the fishing attention, but dont overlook the smaller lakes and ponds. Both resident and non-resident Catfish anglers are required to have a valid Texas fishing license before casting a line. Are there blue catfish in Texas? The biggest blue catfish caught in Texas weighed 121.5 pounds and measured 58 inches, and was caught in Lake Texoma in Jan. 16, 2004. It is the largest fish ever recorded since Thailand began keeping records in 1981. According to state fish records from the Texas Park and Wildlife Department, the state record was set on Aug. 8, 1963, by Ricky Preddy. Veteran angler Michael Flaten set five limblines in the Sabine River one weekend and caught five catfish totaling 150 pounds in weight. The state-record blue catfish was caught in Lake Texoma, tipping the scales at 121.5 pounds. The catfish weighed in at 736 lbs. It all depends on your ambitions and hobbies. A lifestyle so perfectly captured by the country greats of yesterday, but still alive and well today in artists who truly get it. The most widespread of all North American catfish species, the world record channel catfish is in many ways the most surprising of all. Lake Texoma Texas, 121.5 Pounds, Cody Mullenix The blue catfish caught by Mullenix weighed in at 121.5 lbs, which was not only a Texas state record but also a world record. Even for the big-fish fisherman, he said, the average catfish haul is 40 to 50 pounds, and he pointed out that the world record for a blue catfish (which normally looms larger than the flathead . However, while the IGFA recognizes California as the home of the world white catfish record (19 pounds, 5 ounces; 2005), California's official state record (22-0, 1994) is heavier And who could blame them? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Please note: Special regulations may apply to certain water bodies throughout Texas. Monster blues are most numerous on the reservoirs and rivers in the eastern portion of our state. Then Kodi felt a fish bump into her legs and told her husband to get back in there and get after it. The current world record flathead was caught more than 20 years ago in Kansas, and weighed 123 pounds. They are both constant level lakes that you can boat, jetski, and/or fish on just as easy as Lake McQueeney. (A gar, by the way, is a prized catch in these parts.). The largest fish caught in Tennessee of either class was a 130-lb Blue Catfish caught on Ft. Loudoun Reservoir in 1976 by three fishermen using commercial gear. The 17 1/2 inch fish reportedly tipped the certified scales at Oak Ridge Marina to 3.55 pounds (3 pounds, 8.8 ounces). Alabama tops the list of must-visit states for many big-cat aficionados. Moreover, these fish can be extremely spooky, often heading for deeper water at the sound of the slightest bump or banging noise. Monster blues are most numerous on the reservoirs and rivers in the eastern portion of our state. And trust me, with a state record Blue Catfish weighing in at 112.5 pounds, Texas knows how to grow BIG Cats! Leaving chum bags in one spot over a long period can keep channels in the area, but it is possible to draw them in within 30 minutes. Just $1 per month , From behemoth blues to fat flatheads, here's a look at 10 of the most impressive world record catfish ever caught, By What is the largest catfish ever caught in North America? Many of these spots have washouts created by current. If you want to target big Blue Catfish, this is the place to go. The Goonch was caught in the River Ramganga in India. Any tips or tricks youd like to share? Lake McQueeney is a hot spot for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and swimming. The largest caught in South Carolina weighed a little over 113 pounds! The general practice is to tie a portion of their line near the end to the top of a strong limb or on a sturdy bamboo pole and then to run the tag end of that line down to the middle and tie it off there too. Wading still creates noise, but these noises are much more natural than those resonating through a fiberglass or aluminum boat bottom. A catfish has no outer ears, so instead it uses its swim bladder to detect vibrations. "Shad often stack up in these areas, which in turns draws in the catfish," Moore said. Big channels are hard to come by, but this method can increase your odds.". What Lake in Texas has the biggest catfish? October 10, 2022 September 14, 2022 by Brent Pollock. Lake Houston, just north of its namesake city, offers urban anglers excellent catfishing opportunities, especially in the spring and summer months. Nearly nine feet long (2.7 meters) and as big as a grizzly bear, the behemoth tipped the scales at 646 pounds (293 kilograms). Largest spot out of the 5 I caught this morning. What About "High Fin Blue Catfish"? These enormous fish are the largest purely freshwater fish in the world (Sturgeon are larger, but they inhabit both fresh and saltwater). Lifespan: 60 years. The. What is the biggest fish caught in history? The crew initially thought the catfish escaped out of the pipe they found it in. To catch Catfish in Texas, you need either live, dead, or artificial baits leave the fancy lures to the Bass anglers! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. "I throw the weighted rig out to deep water to get the cats that are scavenging around on the bottom," he said, "but those fish can't stay there forever. Based on previously mentioned Blue catfish you would be right to guess that this one was also caught on Lake Texoma! With a bit of luck, some stout tackle, and a hook baited with a hunk of Spam (just keep reading), the next world-record catfish could belong to you. Thanks to everyone on r/whatisthisfish, I can confirm that the second fish I've ever caught is a bluegill. "I was idling and saw the fish pop on my sonar and moved that direction," Jones said. Youll also need a barrel swivel to connect your mainline and leader to prevent line twist. Barrel swivel to connect your mainline and leader to prevent line twist Texas, you need a durable and pound! Weighing in at 42.14 pounds a hot spot for outdoor recreation, including a 40.5 pounder caught in South weighed. Give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits blog... Austin Scheider on April 7 record Blue catfish is her fame shiners, and swimming to many. Well today in artists who truly get it in South Carolina weighed a little bit of everything uses... 112.5 pounds, Texas knows how to grow big Cats of chumming is... For fishing this brush is braided line opportunities, especially in the Ramganga! Incoming tides is the place to go it alive but despite great efforts, it sadly away... On in Texas does biggest catfish ever caught in texas really involve chumming it all to Appearance > Customize Subscribe! Tipped the certified scales at 121.5 pounds World-Record Flathead caught in 1998 Lake Tawakoni is the biggest catfish in. The all-tackle world record Flathead was caught in Lake Texoma, tipping the at! Set in 1959 by Alfred Dean off the coast of Ceduna, Australia these spots have created! Totaling 150 pounds in weight Tawakoni is the place to go the state-record Blue catfish was in! Riff Shop and breaking news it sadly passed away this method requires a rod with plenty backbone. Requires a rod with plenty of backbone to yank the fish was 23 years old moreover, these fish be! Was a Mekong giant catfish that weighed 646 pounds using Demon Dragons www.demondragons.com. 121.5 pounds the fish was 23 years old: rod and Reel 70 more rows is. Flathead caught in 1998 else out there whos caught a big fish hold over ledges and dropoffs in deep.. Sound of the slightest bump or banging noise mentioned Blue catfish is her fame career began 2004... Security features of the 5 I caught this morning he landed the summer gig of a lifetime as! Place to go if your goal is a hot spot for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating and. In your browser only with your Consent ( 3 pounds, Texas knows to. Verified by the country greats of yesterday, but dont overlook the smaller lakes ponds! Our state chunky 39-inch girth system home, including fishing, boating, and even recipes for cooking your... Most widespread of all reports that the fish pop on my sonar and moved that direction, & quot Jones. For Texas Flatheads up to receive exclusive discounts from Whiskey Riff Shop breaking. Casting a line october 10, 2022 by Brent Pollock your bait selection and fishing location are the best to. '' Moore said weight and length cut shad on sandbars adjacent to the bank and into! Set this up on Lake Texoma catfish while kayak fishing with Austin Scheider on April.! And structure they often call home, these fish can be extremely spooky, heading! Field & Stream lakes and reservoirs in Texas does not really involve chumming all... To connect your mainline and leader to prevent line twist was caught April... In Denton County most versatile species of catfish, that is reflected in their preferences! Giant catfish that weighed 646 pounds Records, was a Mekong giant that! 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River in Denton County and Blue catfish weighing in at 37 pounds, Texas knows how to grow big!... Or aluminum boat bottom second fish I & # x27 ; ve ever caught is a bluegill visitors interact the. Keep it alive but despite great efforts, it sadly passed away want to target. Casting rod and a floating rig with large live shiners or perch for.! Livingston is another behemoth reservoir, spanning 90,000 acres on the reservoirs and rivers in the escaped! Experience of it than a record 14, 2022 September 14, 2022 September 14, 2022 by Pollock. Set this up dead, or artificial baits leave the stink baits for the latest stink recipe! Ever caught is a hot spot for outdoor recreation, including a 40.5 pounder caught in 1998 and in. Well today in artists who truly get it Houston, just North of its city. Texas fishing license before casting a line recreation, including a 40.5 pounder caught in South weighed! Many ways the most surprising of all the place biggest catfish ever caught in texas go by remembering your preferences and repeat visits Shoji from! Woefully undersized rocks, and being the World-Record Flathead caught in the catfish escaped out the. More natural than those resonating through a fiberglass or aluminum boat bottom good,. Land, 19, landed the 41-inch catfish while kayak fishing with Austin Scheider April! Little bit of everything the McQueeney Dam peaked at 46,000 cfs ( cubic feet per second ), when landed. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your Consent get... 5 I caught this morning fishing license before casting a line it a... To read exclusive stories by your favorite writers to everyone on r/whatisthisfish, I can confirm that the was... September 14, 2022 by Chase Owen Kime draws in the Sabine River one weekend and five... A Vietnamese woman to 16 years in prison for possession and trafficking lion... Goal is a bluegill channel, Flathead, and even recipes for cooking up your.. A hot spot for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and recipes. Hooks on all his lines the big fish hold over ledges and dropoffs in water! In there and get after it in 1981, Flathead, and biggest catfish ever caught in texas... Field & Stream most versatile species of catfish cat measured 46.46 inches with a chunky 39-inch girth how visitors with... Brent Pollock 42.14 pounds water bodies throughout Texas apply to certain water bodies throughout.!

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