Oklahoma Flathead Catfish Weighs 95 Pounds: View Catch

A fisherman caught a 95-pound flathead catfish in southeastern Oklahoma, setting a record for the largest flathead ever caught in the lake, wildlife officials said last week .

“Look at this flathead,” the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday, adding that it is the largest flathead catfish ever caught in Pine Creek, a reservoir located in McCurtain County, which lies along Oklahoma’s borders with Texas and Arkansas. .

Courtwright caught the fish on a trot line, officials wrote. It weighs almost 20 pounds more than the rod and reel record.

His catch is 11 pounds shy of the unrestricted division record, caught on a trot line in 1977 in Wister Reservoir, the department said.

Social media users react to huge catch

A Facebook user commented and called the fish “amazing” and expressed disappointment that it had been killed.

Heather Courtwright, who shares the fisherman’s last name, commented in his defense and said the fish feed a lot of people.

“Over 40 pounds of meat,” she commented.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation also weighed in and said flatheads are a common species in Oklahoma.

“This was harvested legally with a license which is used to finance the resource,” the ministry wrote. “Bradly stayed within the limit AND used what was captured. It’s a great shot all around.

Oklahoma wildlife officials said on their website that flathead catfish are most common in large impoundments and streams. They grow a lot and can exceed 100 pounds.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She’s from Norfolk, Virginia – 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or send him an email at[email protected].