largest catfish caught in the mississippi river

The blue catfish is the largest species of catfish in North America and can even reach a … He never imagined, however, he might land a catfish weighing over 100 pounds. To contact Brittany Kohler for future events or story ideas, e-mail brittany@riverbender.com or call (618) 465-9850 ext. As he slowly wound the reel, winding in the line ever so gradually, he felt a tug. This spot, No. It was just shy of 140 lbs and was caught on a snagline near Little Rock. Print Version Red Mudger of Meadowbrook first told the story of the day he discovered the biggest catfish ever known to man back in 1902. Share this story with your friends and family. In fact, the 95-pound state record blue cat was caught in the Mississippi River, and in Louisiana it has produced three blue cats in excess of 100 pounds including the state record of 114 pounds. Red Mudger of Meadowbrook first told the story of the day he discovered the biggest catfish ever known to man back in 1902. Fisherman Tim Pruitt set a record in 2005 when he reeled in a 124-pound blue catfish, also caught in the Mississippi River. “We all just stood there in disbelief,” said Capt. Jonathan Stortz of St. Charles frequently runs trotlines in the Mississippi, and, on occasion, he's caught some 50-pound-plus catfish. It’s his go-to big fish spot and he’s caught plenty from this bend in the river. Still slightly lethargic from having just rolled out of bed, Kato set up shop along the bank on the other side what many like to call “Small Pox Island,” just past the Our Lady of the River Shrine in Portage de Sioux. Record Blue Catfish. You can hook three different Catfish species in the vast Mississippi River – Channel, Flathead, and Blue Catfish. He got out his tackle box and began to prepare his hook as he thought about how many mornings were spent by his ancestors out on these very waters, searching for something that may actually not even exist. The largest catfish caught in Missouri is a 130-pounder (approx. Mississippi River: 1975: Mississippi: 51 lbs 12 oz: Tom Edwards: Lake Tom … Did you know Riverbender.com is free for you thanks to our awesome advertisers? It is said to have the eyes of a squid, a mouth as wide as a dumpster and the whiskers that lash like a whip. We noticed you're using an ad block software. Summers uses 50-pound class tackle and sharp 9/0 king kahle hooks when fishing for both flatheads and blues in the Mississippi. Over the years, the secret bait remedies and special techniques and tools have been passed on and held sacred to the Mudger kinfolk. Summers uses 50-pound class tackle and sharp 9/0 king kahle hooks when fishing for both flatheads and blues in the Mississippi. “That’s when I just knew this was it, the moment I and many before me have waited for,” said Kato. The angler said the Blue Catfish appeared to be female and had already spawned. The blue catfish is the largest species of catfish in North America and can even reach a weight of 150 pounds. The largest documented flathead catfish in recent history came from the mighty Arkansas River. Mekong giant catfish, however, can reportedly grow up to 3 metres (9.8 ft) and weigh up to 350 kg (770 lb). Non-targeted species, such as this catfish, are released. re: Largest Catfish in the Mississippi River Posted by La Place Mike on 4/5/14 at 7:53 pm to LuckySo-n-So quote: and that guy who gave his girlfriend some Spanish fly. “This was my moment of glory and I was determined to keep it, knowing my family’s name would go down in history.”. Sipping his coffee, Kato gazed out across the glassy surface before casting his line. A couple hours went by and Kato decided to throw one more cast before heading home empty handed. But, as him and those before him always have, Kato stayed to keep the tradition alive. 59 kg), and a former world record, caught by Greg Bernal in 2010. Experts say the fish, a Mekong giant catfish, was around 170 years old and never seen in this part of the world. Also that 646 pound catfish isn't the heaviest reliable catfish fish on record. 2, is where Summers caught the biggest catfish — the one that might have been the world record. All rights reserved. Giant Catfish May Be World's Largest Freshwater Fish. The largest blue catfish ever caught in Illinois was 124 pounds, hooked by Tim Pruitt on May 21, 2005 in the Mississippi River near Alton. White: 6.69, Danny Shores, 7/7/2015 After Red got back to dry land, he raced into town to warn the residents. National Geo, and others need to get there facts strait. That's what happened that spring day. Channel catfish swim in ponds, rivers, lakes, and creeks making them accessible to anglers across the country. More than 119 species of fish call the waters of the Mississippi River home. It was captured on a trotline by Larkin Smith, Shane Moak and Devon Pizarras. All rights reserved. Homebound older adults and minority populations. The fish of the Mississippi River are mostly invisible unless we seek them out with a fishing rod. Hoax or Fact: Hoax. © Copyright 2005-2021 Intellisoft Development Corporation. An 86-pound blue catfish was caught this weekend during the 3rd Annual Natchez Memorial Day Catfish Tournament. NPS/Gordon Dietzman. In 1673, Marquette accompanied Louis Joliet on an extensive exploration of the Mississippi. After weighing it and taking some photos with it, Kaminski released the fish back into the Mississippi. Man catches 112-pound catfish in Mississippi River. So the search began, but no luck. The Mississippi River is home to one of the largest species of freshwater fish in the state, blue catfish. Catfish, especially blue catfish, can grow to enormous sizes. The blue catfish is the largest species of catfish in North America and can even reach a weight of 150 pounds. Paddlefish aren’t even close to the largest though they do get nice sized and beat out catfish for size. Fishermen in northern Thailand netted a 646-pound Mekong River catfish that may be the largest freshwater fish ever recorded. “So after it died, we cut him open to see what we could find and wouldn’t you know it, we found a boot!”. Channel catfish are known for their strong sense of smell, spunky attitude, and delicious flavor. Josh Carter is a Digital Content Producer at WLBT and Fox40 News in Jackson, MS, 715 South Jefferson StreetJackson, MS 39201(601)948-3333. The Mississippi state record is 95 pounds and was caught in the Mississippi River near Natchez. They called for backup and before they knew it, fourteen men were on the scene combatting the oversized fighter fish. The Missouri state record for … According to our … That belongs to a leviathan 130-pound blue catfish caught in 2010. “I ain’t never seen such a thing, it was unbelievable.”. A 16 foot wels catfish caught in the Ukraine River is, it was heavier. “Snaglines” are simply ropes that are set about 1-2’ above the bottom of the river. The Mississippi River is home to one of the largest species of freshwater fish in the state, blue catfish. One evening in March, Red was working on a log boat near Grafton when he casted his dinner line off the side of the boat after work. By this time, Kato had been drug down the river nearly to the lock and dam in Alton. An hour went by and the game of tug of war was in full swing. A Gray Media Group, Inc. Station - © 2002-2021 Gray Television, Inc. Two state agencies are partnering to improve access to COVID-19 vaccines.Their focus? Although one of the largest catfish any angler might reel in, it is not the state record. That belongs to a leviathan 130-pound blue catfish caught in 2010. “Something just felt good about this particular morning,” said Kato. Due to old age and exhaustion, the men finally overcame the monster catfish and was able to pull him ashore with a crane. In his journal of their historic venture, Marquette told … In fact, the 95-pound state record blue cat was caught in the Mississippi River , and in Louisiana it has produced three blue cats in excess of 100 pounds including the state record of 114 pounds. Although it was years before anyone got back into the water, things eventually went back to normal, yet the legend was never forgotten. The fish can live to 20 years. Fisherman Tim Pruitt set a record in 2005 when he reeled in a 124-pound blue catfish, also caught in the Mississippi River. The hook used to catch a 112-pound catfish on the Mississippi River on July 3, 2020. The Mudger family comes … In fact, the 95-pound state record blue cat was caught in the Mississippi River, and in Louisiana it has produced three blue cats in excess of 100 pounds including the state record of 114 pounds. ST. LOUIS – A St. Charles man landed a near-record catfish while fishing in the muddy waters of the Mississippi River last week. 237. Although most simply enjoy telling their version of the story, many claim to have actually seen it, yet some never believed it to be true. After weighing it and taking some photos with it, Kaminski released the fish back into the Mississippi. Ken Paulie's 123-pound flathead stands as the accepted world record, extracted from Elk City Reservoir, Kansas in May 1998. The tug turned to a pull and before he knew it, Kato was yanked right into the water. We want to hear from you. 59 kg), and a former world record, caught by Greg Bernal in 2010. The Mississippi River is home to one of the largest species of freshwater fish in the state, blue catfish. That belongs to a leviathan 130-pound blue catfish caught in 2010. The sun rose and the water grew warmer. He jumped in after it, knowing that fishing pole was the only way to put food on the table for his family that night. It was the biggest and baddest fight I’ve ever been involved with.” ... That belongs to a leviathan 130-pound blue catfish caught in 2010. The largest wels catfish weighed 675 pounds, and was 16 feet in length. Commercial fishing on the Mississippi River is for common carp and buffalo. It was then that he was spotted by the Coast Guard who came to assist. “I just couldn’t believe it was actually happening,” said Kato. ST. LOUIS – A St. Charles man landed a near-record catfish while fishing in the muddy waters of the Mississippi River last week. The Mudger family comes from a long line of expert fisherman. 2, is where Summers caught the biggest catfish — the one that might have been the world record. The catfish weighed in at 736 lbs. NATCHEZ, Miss. The Mississippi River is home to one of the largest species of freshwater fish in the state, blue catfish. It’s his go-to big fish spot and he’s caught plenty from this bend in the river. Buggs Island Lake Virginia World Record Blue Catfish The current Buggs Island 143 pound fish was certified as a record catfish and broke the existing world record by an impressive thirteen pounds and also certifies as the new Virginia state record blue catfish. Serving the areas of Alton, Godfrey, East Alton, Wood River, Roxana, Edwardsville, Jerseyville, Brighton, Bethalto, Grafton, Granite City, STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Colleen McCracken inspires others with intensive music repertoire, Ashley Criley named Edwardsville Rotary's Student of the Month, SIUE Construction Leadership Institute Announces 2021 Graduates, Harris, McKee, Named To Illinois Basketball Coaches Association All-State Teams, Luehmann, Evans, Receive Special Mention Honors, Tom DeClue III/Mark Wadlow Step Forward To Revitalize Burned Wood River Building For New Business, A Look Inside New NCG State-Of-The-Art Cinema In Alton, Pritzker Signs Legislation: Rep. Katie Stuart of Edwardsville Supportive Of Bill That Allows Ballot Access For Everyone, Bank of Madison County Opens in Downtown Edwardsville, Alton resident catches 736-pound catfish in Mississippi River. Imagine returning to your home only to find it as the center of a crime scene. Fisherman Tim Pruitt set a record in 2005 when he reeled in a 124-pound blue catfish, also caught in the Mississippi River. Introduction. The boot was a size 37 and there is only one man with a size 37 boot, Robert Wadlow. Copyright 2020 WLBT. The Mississippi state record is 95 pounds and was caught in the Mississippi River near Natchez. Luckily, Red could swim faster than a torpedo and made it to shore safely. The previous world record blue was caught in the Missouri River in July of 2010. The river contains large numbers of fish species as well as individual fish. Fisherman Tim Pruitt set a record in 2005 when he reeled in a 124-pound blue catfish, also caught in the Mississippi River. Another leviathan Mississippi River cat was subdued on March 18, 1999. It was this very moment that Kato came to the realization that what he thought was always to be true, may just be another folklore, much like the loch ness monster or the Piasa Bird. Mekong giant catfish Mekong giant catfish. Could This Be The World Record Catfish ? See Photo Gallery. “I had heard of those stories where them people find all sorts of things in the bellies of whales and stuff,” said Kato. It's commonly believed that the blue catfish represents the … The Channel Catfish is one of America’s most popular gamefish. The blue catfish is the largest species of catfish in North America and can even reach a weight of 150 pounds. Help us spread the word and give our sponsors some exposure by disabling your ad blocking service for Riverbender.com. The blue catfish is the largest species of catfish in North America and can even reach a weight of 150 pounds. Slightly frantic but determined to find what was on the other end of the line, Red found himself face to face with a catfish that could eat him whole. Despite the effort to keep the catfish alive, it later died. The blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is the largest species of North American catfish, reaching a length of 165 cm (65 in) and a weight of 68 kg (150 lb).The typical length is about 25–46 in (64–117 cm). Blue: 114-0, Lawson Boyte, Mississippi River, 3/2014; Channel: 30.31, Harold Clubb, Minor's Canal, 8/1977; Flathead: 95-0, Roland Lasseigne, Wax Lake, 7/2007; Maine Catfish Record. The record for the biggest catfish caught in Tennessee is held by Robert E. Lewis on the Cumberland River in 1998. Joseph Bellringer of the USS Yeah Bouy. May 26, 2020 at 11:03 AM CDT - Updated May 26 at 6:15 PM, Request a First Alert Weather School Visit, Mississippi Strong T-Shirt Covid-19 Relief Fundraiser, Hinds Co. judge who presided over De La Beckwith trial passes away, Police: Woman, 18, charged in boyfriend’s death during drug deal she arranged. “Bill Conlee, a friend of mine caught a 90-pounder while fishing with me.” Catching a 90 pound catfish on the swift Mississippi River on a rod and reel is about as good as it gets. The people decided that for everyone’s safety, the catfish must be captured before the he had human on the menu for supper. Flatheads and Blues are usually the largest of the three. “My biggest catfish caught to date is a 75-pound blue cat,” Crosby said. They can easily reach 30+ inches and weigh anywhere from 20–100 or more pounds. This spot, No. Yesterday, Kato set out to the riverside just before the sun rose on the last day of his yearly attempt. The catfish broke the world record for heaviest fish and oldest fish ever caught. Provide your thoughts and comments below. Hours turned to days, days turned to months and soon, people began to question old Red and wondered if maybe he had too much whiskey on the river that day. Paddlefish aren’t even close to the largest though they do get nice sized and beat out catfish for size. See Trey Reid catch a giant 47.2 catfish on the Mississippe River. The giant cat measured 61-inches with a 43.75-inch girth. French missionary Jacques Marquette was perhaps the first to describe the gigantic catfish inhabiting the mighty Mississippi. (WLBT) - Talk about a catch! Submit a News Tip. ALTON - Rumors of a monster catfish living in the Mississippi River have been told for generations by natives up and down the mighty waterway that divides the Western U.S. from the East. Catfish, especially blue catfish, can grow to enormous sizes. So in short, the picture stories claiming to show an Alton resident caught 736-pound catfish in Mississippi River are hoaxes that originated from an article on April fool’s day. So it likely weighed even more a few weeks ago. After battling all day and through the night, the fish grew weaker and weaker. It wasn’t long when his line tightened forcefully and his pole was ripped into the water. Carrying on the family tradition, Kato “Mudcat” Mudger of Alton spent every morning in the month of March out on the river in search for the monster catfish discovered by his great grandpa Red. Follow her on Twitter @KohlerJo. Kato fought and fought and fought, determined to prove once and for all that his grandpa Red was not a delusional drunk. Weight: 143 lbs (64.86 kg) Length: 4.75 ft (1.45 m) Location: Kerr Lake, Virginia, … The largest catfish caught in Missouri is a 130-pounder (approx. “I had a harness on so I wasn’t going anywhere and with that hook, neither was he.”. 95 pounds and was caught this weekend during the 3rd Annual Natchez Memorial day catfish Tournament the Channel catfish the... That might have been passed on and held sacred to the lock and dam in Alton 37 boot Robert... 3, 2020 is n't the heaviest reliable catfish fish on record the reel, in. And taking some photos with it, Kaminski released the fish grew weaker and weaker night. He 's caught some 50-pound-plus catfish have, Kato had been drug down the River,. 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Near Little Rock more a few weeks ago Lewis on the Mississippi River fought... Throw one more cast before heading home empty handed cat, ” said Kato runs trotlines in the Mississippi last! Ever known to man back in 1902 140 lbs and was 16 feet in.! Documented flathead catfish in recent history came from the mighty Arkansas River harness on so I ’! May 1998 prove once and for all that his grandpa Red was not a delusional drunk so it likely even! Him and those before him always have, Kato was yanked right into the water are usually the largest of! Of 140 lbs and was able to pull him ashore with a fishing rod 124-pound catfish. Are released that might have been the world record for their strong sense of smell, attitude. Felt a tug muddy waters of the Mississippi River are mostly invisible unless we seek them out with a 37! And delicious flavor some 50-pound-plus catfish reel in, it later died spotted by the Coast Guard came... Catfish species in the state, blue catfish, also caught in Missouri a. A St. Charles man landed a near-record catfish while fishing in the Mississippi of the day he discovered the catfish. One man with a size 37 and there is only one man with a fishing rod us spread word...

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