The Mississippi River is renowned for some of the world’s largest freshwater fish, including catfish. With a river stretching for thousands of miles, the potential for a legendary fish catch that mirrors the river’s greatness is very real. But, what is the biggest catfish ever caught in the Mississippi River?
Since record keeping began, the biggest confirmed catfish in Mississippi River is the one caught by Tim Pruitt in 2005. Tim, who was then a residential caretaker from Missouri, reeled in a massive 121 lb blue catfish from the depths of the Mississippi. It was nearly 10 years later before the record would be broken.
In June 2015, Phung Lam, a China native living in Mississippi, landed an even bigger blue catfish – a giant monster that weighed an astonishing 132 lbs. Despite its size, the fish was caught on an ordinary rod, reel and line. On his record-breaking catch, Lam commented: “It was so big, the pole started shaking – it was almost like I was in a horror movie!”
As the biggest catfish ever caught in the Mississippi has been a blue catfish, many fishermen wonder what other species of catfish have been caught in the river. According to state conservation officials, the other noteworthy species of catfish available to fishermen in the Mississippi are flathead catfish, channel catfish and bullhead catfish.
Fishermen, local and otherwise, have a lot to be excited about when it comes to catfish in the Mississippi. Apart from the mammoth catches that are possible, the state’s Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) encourages families and friends to get out on the river for an enjoyable outing that takes advantage of the bountiful fishing opportunities of the south. Catches vary from pleasers to lunkers, giving everyone the chance to land a fish of a lifetime.
Safe and responsible fishing is essential to preserving the wellbeing of Mississippi’s waterways, and respecting size limits and catch limits is essential. That said, the MDWFP monitors and regulates not only the size limits, but also the season, the locations and the methods used by all interested anglers.
History
The history of catfishing as a sport on the Mississippi River is a long one, stretching back to the late 1890s and early 1900s, when explorations of the river’s hidden depths led to the discovery of massive catfish that had been laying low for ages. During the early years of game fishing, lunker catfish catches were often recorded and proudly proclaimed in newspapers and magazines.
The first record fish caught on the Mississippi was a mouth-watering blue catfish that tipped the scales at about 88 lbs. The catch, which occurred in 1930, was made by a gentleman by the name of Thad Prentiss, who landed the beast after a fierce battle against the swirling current. The fish held the record for decades, and it was for some time unclear whether it would ever be broken.
Improvements in tackle and experience have played a crucial role in the increased catfish catches in recent years. For example, innovations such as electronic scales and lightweight monofilament lines have made the task of landing a big catfish much easier. Specialized rods and reels designed specifically for the task have become increasingly popular, and advanced top-water baits and nightcrawlers have made all the difference.
Locations
Just as the fish species available on the Mississippi vary, so do the locations considered as ideal for a catfish catch. These range from shallow, sandy bars to rapids, pools, lake margins and deep channels. The fish behave differently in each area, and the choice of bait, location and technique will vary from day to day.
Of all the places frequented by fishermen in search of the best catches, the area around the St. Francis Sill is considered the premier habitat for large catfish. This site is located in southeastern Arkansas, and it has proven to be a hot spot for monster catches – in fact, several ninety-plus pounders have been taken from this spot in recent years.
In addition to St. Francis Sill, there are several other locations in the area that produce trophy catches. Among them are the famous riffles of McKeller’s Bar, the deeper pools of Seibert’s Ford, and the channel cats of Moon Lake. All of these spots offer a chance to catch a truly huge fish.
Techniques
Catfish have to be intrigued in order to bite – they don’t chase a bait but rather detect it by using their barbels. This means that anglers have to pick a spot and then wait patiently until they feel a sensation in the rod telling them that a fish has taken the bait. Slow, steady reeling and a distinctive action of the tip is common when catfish strike.
Another tactic that has proven effective for serious catfishermen is to use small, lightweight jigs instead of bait. This means that the angler has to make a long cast into prime catfish territory and then work the jig slowly through the water to imitate the swimming action of a baitfish. When done properly, this technique can be deadly.
Live bait is also very popular among catfish anglers on the Mississippi River. Common live baits such as nightcrawlers, shad, cut bait and shrimp will all work, but the best results will come from specially prepared chum made from a combination of bread, ground up fish, worms, and any other attractants the angler desires.
Equipment
Fishing for the legendary catfish of the Mississippi requires more than just an ordinary rod and reel. Specialized gear like heavy-duty rods and line, reels with high-speed retrievers and heavy weights should all be considered by serious anglers. Additionally, knowledge of the Mississippi’s changing seasonal patterns can pay off big time when it comes to locating the prime locations.
In addition to producing large catches, the gear necessary to fish the Mississippi River is usually quite affordable. Media-top bream rods, spool reels and large, extra-heavy floats will all come in handy when fishing for big cats, and they won’t set you back too much. Moreover, most of the gear can be obtained second-hand and still provide the desired performance.
Considerations
As with any angling, the key to success on the Mississippi River is to be mindful of the local regulations regarding size limits, season and methods. Respect for the environment and its inhabitants are also essential, and going overboard on tackle and equipment can be dangerous. Catfish fighting skills also come in handy and can mean the difference between landing and losing a monster fish.
Catfishing is a rewarding activity and a great way to spend some quality time on the Mississippi River. Someday, the river may produce a record that surpasses the existing one – and it could come from your fishing line!
