What is the biggest catfish on record?

The Mekong giant catfish
The Mekong giant catfish is the official freshwater heavyweight champion of the world. According to the Guinness Book of Records, a nine-foot-long individual caught in northern Thailand in 2005 weighted an astounding 646 pounds, making it the largest exclusively freshwater fish ever recorded.

Who caught a 70 pound catfish?

Waverly’s Paula Curtis Smith catches massive 70-pound catfish in the Tennessee River. Paula Curtis Smith, an avid catfish angler from Waverly, caught a 70-pound blue catfish early Saturday morning. She hooked the gargantuan fish in the Tennessee River in a depth of 20 feet.

What size catfish is worth keeping?

Everyone has their own personal opinion, but the best eating tends to be 3-5lbs. The younger catfish are usually better eating, as the bigger fish are loaded with toxins. I usually set the bar higher if I need fish for a fish fry. I don’t keep anything over 8lbs.

How old is a 50 pound catfish?

Individual growth is highly variable in larger fish and fish in the James are known to reach 50 pounds by age-11 although age 13 – 15 is more typical.

What is the biggest fish caught in Dale Hollow Lake?

In 1955, David Hayes caught the world record smallmouth at Dale Hollow Lake. At just over 11 pounds, this record stands today. While other world record waters get over-fished into ruination, Dale Hollow Lake continues to produce large, healthy, fish thanks to modest participation and a healthy ecosystem.

What was the biggest catfish ever caught in the Tennessee River?

112 pounds
The Tennessee state record blue catfish weighed 112 pounds, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. It was caught in 1998 by Robert Lewis in the Cumberland River.

Can you eat huge catfish?

You have to trim all the big ones like you do a big stripa or blue. Cut all the grey or dark red meat off the filet before you cook. Unless you have state fish advisories out for where you catch them they are still fine to eat.

What is the best eating catfish?

Blue catfish are very good to eat. Fresh baits such as cut fish, shrimp, chicken liver, and processed catfish bait are best, while bait casting and bottom fishing are popular angling methods.

How old do flatheads get?

Its maximum recorded lifespan is 24 years. Males are mature from 16 cm (6.3 in) and 4 years of age, while females mature from 18 cm (7.1 in) and 5 years of age, but may mature as late as 10 years.