5. C. This video shows how to catch catfish, how to clean catfish and how to cook catfish…Specifically hardhead catfish which are a saltwater catfish. Lay Lake is a 12,000-acre reservoir fed by the tailwaters of the Logan Martin Dam. Hardheads and sail catfish are perhaps two of the most widely populated saltwater catfish along the coastal waters of Florida. The hardhead. Hardheads get their name from the bony plate between their eyes and dorsal fin. There really isn’t any more details about Fernandes’ catch, but he did use a fiberglass Sportex rod to land the redtail catfish. By Sascha Pare published 15 June 2023 An angler caught the gigantic wels catfish in the murky waters of the River Po, in Italy, where the previous world record for. 5-8. (There is an incredibly ugly looking saltwater variety of catfish, the name of which I have long since forgotten, but I know it exists because I once snagged one. Many of the most significant sea fish records are over 1,000 pounds (1/2 of a ton,) but Alfred. Channel cats have between 24 and 29 rays, while blue cats have 30 to 36. 4. What separates this enormous achievement from other world records is about 900 pounds of fish. The Biggest Saltwater Fish Ever Caught was a 2,664 pound Great White Shark The record was set. Think 150 gallons or bigger. Giant sunfish sets new record for world’s largest bony fish. Most of the time a small setup like this will get the job done. The Biggest Saltwater Fish Ever Caught was a 2,664 pound Great White Shark The record was set in 1959 by Alfred Dean off the coast of Ceduna, Australia. Of the three catfish, only the sailcat and gafftop are the ones you hear about people eating, but even then, most anglers seem to dismiss catfish for their reputation of being. Adult Size & Lifespan. What are large catfish called? Mekong Giant Catfish is the world’s largest species of catfish found in Mekong river basin in Southeast. Catfish do indeed have bones. Obviously, this fish is not a good choice for any but the largest home aquariums. IGFA. 54 kg (10. This can be in the middle of a big shoal, in a deep-water bend of the river with large boulders or on the bank behind a tree in the water. 4) Flathead Catfish: 72 pounds 14 ounces. In 2005 a man caught a Mekong catfish of 9 feet, weighing 646 pounds , taking the world record for the biggest catfish in the world. The catch must be photographed over a qualifying measuring device as well as in a photo. And the use of larger baits helps you avoid catching runts. Here’s how to clean saltwater catfish: Using a sharp knife, cut the skin off the saltwater catfish starting from the fin down to the tail on either side before removing the head. In comparison, the easier-to-find, well. Piraiba is considered the largest catfish in the amazon river basin, reportedly exceeding 8 feet in length and weighing in excess of 400 lbs. Alessandro Biancardi, an Italian angler, pulled an enormous, 9. – Caught in Jake’s Pond, Plymouth by James Crowley in 1980Meet The Wels Catfish. Extra Heavy : these are the heaviest poles, and are used either for catching the biggest fish, or for fishing with extra large lures or rigs, such as over sized. In 2005, a man caught a 9-foot-long, 646-pound Mekong catfish, breaking the world record for the world's largest catfish. Bull Shark – 477 Pounds 12 Ounces. This is a summary of basic catfish species information for the blue. com. 5 meters long and weighs more than 21. [3] Advertisement. The candiru feeds on blood and is commonly found in the gill cavities of other fishes. What separates this enormous achievement from other world. The catfish eat fish, fish eggs, snails, and insects. Lots of folks like catching them, but novices may not realize these sleek, powerful marine fish pack a dangerous set of dentures. 9) The 280-Pounder. This is a recent record, set on July 12, 2020. This big Wels was caught from Italy’s Po River in 2015 by Italian angler Dino Ferrari. The largest saltwater catfish is the Hardhead catfish. These giant catfish live in the dusky waters of the Mekong River in southeast asia. Finding the feeding predator fish. Picture. Hayden, Jr. Temperature: 74-80°F. Mix 1 cup ground yellow cornmeal, 1 cup cornflour, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of salt, half a teaspoon of cayenne, and ground black pepper in a bowl. Catfish are probably the most well known of all the bottom feeder fish. Lemon wedges for garnish. Bumblebee Catfish. This doesn’t necessarily mean live bait, but. 62 ft (1. Males are slimmer and more colorful than females, and have more pointed dorsal and anal fins than females. The average channel catfish weighs 15-40 pounds, while blue catfish weigh 40-150 pounds, though anything over 100 pounds is impressive! The overall length of these two fish differs as well. Catfish (Freshwater) - Found in Cutlass Keys, Ebonscale Reach,. Twist The Hook Out. Sail cats you can eat the others I would not recommend. Zebra danios are peaceful and hardy fish that are easy to care for. Meanwhile, we commercially produced another 307 million pounds here at home. This is not the only catfish family with an electric organ, but its electrical ability is particularly well-developed compared to the others. May 25 was just another normal day. Some of them obviously fall victim to predators long before this. Freshwater Records 5) Smallmouth Buffalo: 82. There are many species of catfish in freshwater locations all over the world. Tip: Check out Lake Texoma State Park. What Are Saltwater Catfish? Are there saltwater catfish? There are a few species of catfish that live in saltwater. What Are Saltwater Catfish? Are there saltwater catfish? There are a few species of catfish that live in saltwater. usgs. Lord’s new state record blue catfish weighed 48-pounds, 3. The angler was using a Jackson rod and an Abu Garcia 6500 GR spooled with 16-pound Varivas line. Normally, anglers that choose to use a circle hook go for a 5/0 or 6/0 hook size. An Italian angler may have broken the world record for the largest catfish ever caught after reeling in a massive nine-foot catfish. 2- The Yellow River. Reportedly, the biggest ever recorded weighed 317 pounds and stretched 9 feet, 1 inch and came out of the Po Delta in Italy. The muddy rivers of. Molly fish are small, peaceful fish that grow to around 3-4 inches and adapt well to a variety of water conditions. Best For Most Anglers: Penn Battle II and III 5000 (click to see) “The Penn Battle is made to last and handles huge fighting fish. The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. Hardhead catfish spawning peaks during June and July, and is most commonly done in shallow bays and estuaries. You can expect to catch Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, as well as Sharks. Redtail catfish are difficult to care for because of their enormous size and predatory nature. They have a slender, elongated shape with a forked tail and slighlty flattened head. Simply dip the fish in the milk to get it wet, and then shake off any excess. Best Snelled Hook: Gamakatsu Catfish Rig. Catfish can live in a number of conditions, with species that live in saltwater, freshwater and brackish water. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries reports the biggest known blue catfish was 143 pounds, “caught in an inland lake on the Virginia–North Carolina border”. 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). Handling that many would be a hurdle. 9 pounds: 48. The largest saltwater catfish is the Hardhead catfish. Table of Contents show. So, we took a look at the state fishing records (based on. But fish approaching or exceeding 100 pounds are caught. 9 lbs and measured 48 inches long. Unique Traits: Cleaner shrimp behavior. First, you want to start by threading your line through a 1/4- to 1/2-ounce barrel weight. Gafftopsail catfish tend to have a preference for saltwater but are known to be in brackish waters, too. 5 pounds and was caught by angler Joe Purvis in Lake Bluff, Lake County, on May 19, 1985. Wash the fish meat under the water. IGFA. Hardhead catfish have six rounded barbels that stick out from their chins like whiskers. ** Because of Federal regulations, these species can no longer be legally retained and must be released alive, the record listed will remain. [3] It was described by Eduard Rüppell in 1837, originally under the genus Bagrus. Another tiny catfish, bumblebees, grow up to 3. 2-ounces, measuring 40. 0. Hardhead catfish spawning peaks during June and July, and is most commonly done in shallow bays and estuaries. 1:1 Handle: Left or right Pros. The world record holder for the biggest Lau-Lau ever caught went to dear old Jorge Masullo de Aguiar. The hardhead catfish is a small to medium-sized fish that typically measures between 12 and 20 inches in length and weighs between 1 and 3 pounds. One of the largest catfish species found in North America, channel cats and can weigh more than 50 pounds. Catfish, gafftopsail: Bagre marinus: 8 lb 14 oz: Titusville: Sept. com. One of the most popular saltwater catfish species is the hardhead catfish, which can be found along coastal waters from. Best for Channel Catfish: Triple S Channel Cat Bait. Conclusion. The current all-tackle bluegill record is held by T. August 31, 2020 By Game & Fish Staff. Also called: spotted sea trout or colloquially “spots. com. One of the largest catfish ever recorded weighed in at nearly 700 pounds, while the smallest species of catfish reach just one centimeter in length. The largest wels catfish by weight recognized by the IGFA was caught in the Po River as well, in 2010, and weighed in at nearly 298 pounds, records show. Best Overall: Berkley PowerBait Catfish Bait Chunks. So it is no surprise that David Hayes' celebrated 5. Huston/Shutterstock. The state record is three pounds fifteen ounces. 86 kilograms (143 pounds,. A big ball of juicy nightcrawlers, for example, is one great choice. Published October. Circle hooks are arguably the best hook for beginners to use and are common as saltwater fishing hooks as well. Catfish anglers love both of these Zebco reels for two main reasons: first of all the slow speed retrieval combined with the high power drag system makes them perfect for fighting monster cats, and secondly the bait. The Best Cast Net Choices: 3/8” Mesh . 6 oz. It sports three spines, one on the dorsal fin and one each on the pectoral fins. The stingray was snagged by a local fisherman south. Channel, flathead and blue catfish are recognized as excellent eating fish and can be fished in lakes and rivers. ”. They reside in both the Atlantic and more heavily in the Gulf of Mexico. The Columbian Shark has a high fin and long "whiskers" that gives it a classic catfish appearance. Fish range from 1 pound to over 60 pounds. 4) Flathead Catfish: 72 pounds 14 ounces. Alessandro Biancardi, with from the MADCAT ITALY team, shocked the whole catfish world with a massive 9-foot-long, 330-pound catfish caught in the Po River. Some live much longer however. Overharvesting and habitat loss endanger most of the world’s freshwater “megafauna. The largest catfish ever caught is the Mekong catfish. The angler was using a Jackson rod and an Abu Garcia 6500 GR spooled with 16-pound Varivas line. The Maryland state record channel catfish was caught near Mattawoman Creek and weighed 29 pounds, 10 ounces. species often known simply as bullheads: Black Bullhead: 8 pounds, 2 ounces, caught by Frank Piazza at Massapequa Lake on Long Island, New York, in 2015. Gives a large boost to catching better fish and a medium boost to bigger in salt water, but only at night. Saltwater Fish. 25 inches: 8/26/2020. 0 Lbs Per Foot – This is the minimum I throw. anglers will encounter, with 100-plus pounders being somewhat common. Texoma on the Texas/Oklahoma border, one of the largest reservoirs in the country at 89,000 acres, is considered by many to be best of the best because that’s where Cody Mullennix caught Splash, a 121. Tags: Catfish. Native fish such as shad, skipjack, or perch are key. Emerald Catfish. This unique species of catfish is a South American native. Alessandro Biancardi with the pending world-record Wels catfish. Although they are typically thought of as an inshore species, they can be caught in the surf as well. Remove the skin from the saltwater catfish, and cut the meat in half. Of all the commonly known catfish species, the flathead surely takes the prize of Top Ugly. Salt Catfish. Native to the eastern coastlines of North, Central. They are a popular recreational catch. The belly of the hardhead is silver to white. 5 inches (0. Hardhead catfish. What separates this enormous achievement from other world. Internally, the channel catfish has two chambers in the swim bladder and the blue catfish has three. 3. An angler shocked the global fishing community this week after hauling a 9-foot wels catfish from the depths of Italy’s River Po. Spool up enough leader to allow a turn or two. Biancardi said he decided to go in shallow water in an attempt to land it. Here are our top bait recommendations for catching big numbers of channels, flatheads and blues. gov. But many species may yet be saved. . 41 kg (11 pound, 15 ounce) smallmouth has seen its share of controversy over the years. Though not as popular or respected as their freshwater counterparts, there are two species of catfish commonly caught in coastal waters of Texas: the gafftop, Bagre marinus, and sea catfish, more commonly known as hardhead, Arius felis. Its filter feeding relative, Titanichthys, may have rivaled it in size. Species. Texas' Big 5 Saltwater Game Fish. Madcat / Alessandro Biancardi. Like many marine fish, it is dark on top and light on bottom. Best Premium Option: Penn Spinfisher VI 7500 (click to see)And, of course, there’s also a wide range of sizes when it comes to catfish. He was fishing off the beach at night and caught this big salt water catfish. 2 pounds. So clean, in fact, that surrounding towns use its water as unfiltered drinking water. Three prominent, sharp spines (one at beginning of dorsal fin and one on each pectoral fin) Spines do not have fleshy filaments. “By spraying foam in the jugs, I solve that problem. The largest gafftopsail ever recorded was 27 inches and 9 pounds. The 118-pound, 7-ounce blue catfish was caught by Mika. Named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers, catfish range in. It is one of four species in the genus Ariopsis. Cody Stricker / CC BY 4. Terry Knight. There are a couple of catfish on our list, starting with a trophy-sized flathead. We rounded up the best catfish baits to help you land more fish this year. Aquarium Fish Depot has one of the largest selections of saltwater and freshwater aquarium fish including amazing array of aquatic pets of all kinds. An Italian angler made the catch of his life this week, hauling in a 280-pound catfish from the Po River (above, the angler can be seen catching a slightly smaller catfish in 2013). ©Bignai/Shutterstock. For catfish, in particular, using a bigger hook and a big piece of bait will help you catch fewer cats. If you are wondering how big. Anglers are usually annoyed by the catfish, but if you’re just looking for some action, on some days, the catfish can save the day by always being willing to bite. Price: $$$$$ Ball Bearings: 13 + 1 Reel Size: 4000 – 30000 Max Drag Weight: 24 – 62 lbs. Caring for a Redtail Catfish is a big task. 10. Bottom feeder fish can be found in natural freshwater settings and in saltwater natural settings. The following areas were selected by Florida's freshwater fisheries biologists as being the most likely to be highly productive during 2021 for channel, flathead, blue, and white catfish, and yellow and brown bullhead. A cobia’s dorsal fin consists of 7 to 9 very sharp spines. The chin has 2 barbels and there is a very long barbel on each side of its mouth. For breeding purposes, it is recommended to keep a small group of three males and two females. What separates this enormous achievement from other world records is about. This huge tank size is obviously quite a lot compared to most freshwater home aquariums. The previous record for a freshwater fish was a 293-kilogram (646-pound) Mekong giant catfish, discovered in Thailand in 2005, the group said. Ken Paulie with the world-record flathead caught in 1998. The shark has short snouts and broad heads that are flat; their backs have an intriguing. 1) The Biggest of All Time The River Po is famous for producing giant wels. The largest ever specimen documented was 27 inches long and weighed 12. Best for Treble. The minimum tank size for an adult redtail catfish is around 1,500-2,000 gallons (yeah). 5 tonnes). Barbels extend from the bottom lip. The snake river in southwest idaho is home to both channel catfish and their larger cousins, flatheads ,. Hayes caught his record fish on July 9, 1955 while trolling a lure in Dale Hollow Reservoir, Tennessee, USA. Blue Catfish. The Hardhead catfish can grow to 28-30″ in length and about 12 pounds. Most are mature by the time they reach 12 inches in length. Like channel catfish, the blue catfish pursues a varied diet, but it tends to eat fish earlier in life. Largest on record: 8 feet, 10 inches | 646 pounds. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. This catfish is brownish to gray-green in color and has four barbells on the chin. The catch beats. 30 Emile Charvet IV Harvey Outfall January. Prefilled with quality. The skin of this catfish has no scales. Setting up a tank to match its natural. Emerald Catfish. Angler: Edward Davis. Location: Whole coast surf, inshore bars, reefs, tide-rips. Generally, for food, saltwater catfish are not poisonous. His 21. Redfish are one of the most popular saltwater fish pursued in the entire Gulf Coast region. Gafftopsail Catfish. The hardhead catfish, Ariopsis felis, has six whiskers, called barbels - one long pair and two shorter pairs. 1. The Pictus Catfish is a nocturnal fish, so don't expect much activity during the day. If your fish does not qualify as a state record, the Big Catch Angler Recognition Program rewards anglers who catch a memorable-sized fish. However there are probably many other subspecies located in. 06 lbs: Elie Pellegrin: 10/96: Horse-eye Jackfish: 25. The largest channel catfish ever caught in South Carolina weighed 58 pounds and measured 47. Common Names: Spotted-catfish,speckled catfish, silver catfish, fork-tailed catfish. The redtail catfish is a freshwater fish of the Pimelodidae family. Josh Jorgensen, the presenter of YouTube’s largest saltwater fishing show, hosted three absolutely massive men off the coast of. The largest flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) was 123 pounds. The catfish can discharge a shock of up to 450 volts to defend itself and capture prey. (35 inches) – Caught in Ashfield Lake, Ashfield by Dana Dodge in 1989 Crappie: 4 lbs, 10 oz. It’s best to use a medium-sized hook since it will most likely end up in. Specs. There are 2 main types of catfish in saltwater. A traditional circle hook is an excellent choice for use with channel catfish and blue catfish. The largest and most well known species was D. The underparts have a pinkish suffusion, which is most evident in males. Tim Shugrue is vice president of Congressional Seafood in Jessup, MD, which is the largest processor of blue catfish around the Bay. Maximum lifespan for channel catfish is believed to be around 15 years. 22 pounds The largest flathead catfish record in North Carolina goes to a 74 pound 14 ounce flathead caught by Tyler Barnes on the Neuse River. “An 18-to-20-pound fish sometimes feel like it’s going to be a 50-pound fish,” Lord told Delaware’s WBOC-TV. 7 meter long and weighed 100 lb / 45 kg. Hailshadow / Getty Images. Lucky for you, there are several locations in Florida where you can find these elusive fish and feel the exhilaration of the catch. Length: 7’ Construction: Graphite and fiberglass Power: Medium heavy Guides: One-piece stainless Reel. Whenever you rig cut bait, make sure that the hook is going through the skinnier side, so it’s more hydrodynamic. Gen 3 Warrior Cat Bumping Rod. 4 ounces Why Buy The Shimano Stella SW? This is Shimano’s “Top Dog” – The best of the best spinning reel from the world’s best fishing reel manufacturer. 75 inches. 50 pounds and was caught by Joe Purvis on Lake Bluff. The blue catfish reaches anywhere from 30-60 inches, depending on age, while the channel catfish grows 12-24 inches on average. What is the biggest whale catfish ever caught? The official all-tackle world record for a wels catfish is 297 pounds, 9 ounces caught March 11, 2010 by Attila Zsedely in Italy’s River Po. The Biggest Saltwater Fish Ever Caught was a 2,664 pound Great White Shark. This reel from Abu Garcia is one of the best baitcasting reels for catfish in terms of sheer power. FLATHEAD AUSTRALIAN (Platycephalus fuscus) Greg Finney landed a giant flathead at Mallacoota in Victoria (Australia). The common name, hardhead catfish, is derived from the presence of a hard, bony plate extending. An Italian angler may have broken the world record for the largest catfish ever caught after reeling in a massive nine-foot catfish. The three largest species of catfish are the Mekong giant catfish, the Wels catfish and the Piraiba catfish. It weighed 143 pounds and measured 57 inches long. Catfish are found all over the inshore waters throughout the Gulf of Mexico and in the Atlantic Ocean. The catch was confirmed and certified by the IGFA, which maintains records for both freshwater and. Apr 1, 2012 #7 B. The lifespan of catfish can vary across various species. This yardstick-length channel cat was caught on Game Club Pond by Colby Kerttula. The No. On this adventures Trapper Terry reels in a RECORD SALTWATER SAIL CATFISH! Teaming up with Lifeguard Lou they have a crazy day filled with excitement! Trappe. His 21. 7 Largest Catfish Ever Caught. 6 inches for males and 7. 5 inches for the 6-foot extended length version. Key West. 99 USD Regular price Sale price $12. 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. Katrina Reef: Sitting just a couple of miles from Biloxi, Katrina Reef is one of the most popular nearshore fishing spots in Mississippi. For big flatheads, use live bream fished on the bottom as well. The Coral Catfish is seen in the wild scavenging in the sand, so the fish tank must have a sandy. Although it is native to Mississippi river drainage, it has been introduced to several reservoirs, rivers, and lakes in other U. Channel Catfish: 26 lbs, 8 oz. Redtail catfish are large bottom dwelling fish requiring an experienced aquarist. Bagarius yarrelli, also known as the giant devil catfish, is found in large, swift rivers in India. Some catfish prefer stagnant water and others call rivers and streams with fast-moving currents their homes, it all depends. The saltwater hardhead catfish is a member of the Ictaluridae family, including the blue catfish and channel catfish. The younger catfish are usually better eating, as the bigger fish are. The South Carolina blue catfish record was caught from the waters of Lake Moultrie in 2017, a monster 113. They spawn once a year from late May into June, mostly in lower-salinity streams and smaller tributaries. Some of the biggest catfish ever caught. Qualifying anglers receive a colorful citation showing the type of fish caught and a window sticker to proudly display their prowess. Josh Jorgensen, the presenter of YouTube’s largest saltwater fishing show, hosted three absolutely massive men off the coast of Florida to catch the. In the latter cases, the species can be identified by the number of rays in the anal fin. 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. IGFA. Both the larger, spine-like main bone and the smaller, rib-like bones are present. 8-pound catch by Paula D. (Game & Fish Image) Bluefish are abundant and popular sportfish in many areas, particularly along the Northeast coast. Alligator Gar Bait Rig: The Hi-Vis Cable Rig. The biggest channel catfish was roughly the length of a goat. This remains the number one reason that anglers despise them. 09 meter) and can live for up to 5 years in the right conditions. 9) 80-Pound Line Class World Record Flathead Catfish. Cut bait is a great way to catch big fish and if you rig the cut bait right, you’ll increase your chances even more. Barbels at corner of mouth (shorter than head and not flat) Similar Species: Gafftopsail catfish, B. YELLOWFIN TUNA. Catfish are popular among North American. Piraiba — This whale of a catfish is the strongest and largest of all the Amazon catfish species. The catfish’s mouth and throat are lined with bristle-like sharp points. Alessandro Biancardi's catch was more than 9 feet long — roughly the size. Weight: 69 pounds. 25 inches long with a girth of about 30 inches. The Saltwater Reel Big Fish program recognizes anglers for extraordinarily-sized catches of the 30 different saltwater species listed below. and the largest known saltwater fish is the whale shark (which averages 12. The whiskers are harmless. 2 lb flathead, cought on Lake Conjola. Cucherousset J, Boulêtreau S, Azémar F, Compin A, Guillaume M, et al. Location: Fernandina Beach, FL. That said, blues in the 4 to 10 pound-class are far more typical. (Alessandro Biancardi / MADCAT) After a few attempts of gloving the fish's mouth, the animal was still too strong. Josh Jorgensen, the presenter of YouTube’s largest saltwater fishing show, hosted three absolutely massive men off the coast of Florida to catch the world’s strongest fish, the. For your own safety, head to shore right away. At least that’s the way I see it. Average weight is 2 to 4 lbs. The Mekong giant catfish is the official freshwater heavyweight champion of the world. This large catfish is distinguished by its blueish back and side, lack of black spots and humped back near the dorsal fin. Stephen Klobucar Sep 17, 2019. Salt and pepper to taste. If needed, it’s recommended to take a few Tylenol or Advil. The typical length is about 25–46 in (64–117 cm). Overall, this makes the 888 the best choice for freshwater applications, while the 808 is ideally suited for saltwater fishing. The two types of saltwater catfish that live along the southeast Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America are the gafftopsail catfish and the hardhead catfish. 7. Structural Adaptation. All three main species of catfish – channel cats, flatheads, and blue catfish – favor natural baits and fish attractants like Team Catfish Dead Red Blood Spray. The Biggest Saltwater Fish Ever Caught was a 2,664 pound Great White Shark The record was set in 1959 by Alfred Dean off the coast of Ceduna, Australia. Species: Lau-Lau or Piraiba. Anything close to that would be considered a trophy catch. The Flathead was over 5 feet in length and weighed 123 pounds. They need a 1000+ gallon tank – ideally, an indoor pond! They come with stunning colors, long whiskers & rapid growth up to 4ft in length! They eat a ton of food – most conventional fish food will not suffice. IGFA. The brightness of the color fades away as they grow. 0:32. Why are they called hardheads? The largest recorded weight for a gafftopsail catfish is 4. Its filter feeding relative, Titanichthys, may have rivaled it in size. As they grow, the body ends up being yellow and brownish or white, horizontal stripes appear. On madtom and saltwater catfish, the skin covering these spines contains miniscule poison cells that burst when a spine stabs a careless angler. . Bumblebee Catfish. News On 6 Eddie, from Texas, caught the record-breaking flathead catfish that tipped the scales at more than 81 pounds.