An Oklahoma fisherman is very proud of himself after landing the catch of a lifetime at Pine Creek Reservoir on Tuesday.
“Check out this flathead! Bradly Courtright caught this MASSIVE 95 pound flathead catfish in Pine Creek Reservoir on a trotline. Bradly’s catch is the largest flathead ever caught in Pine Creek!” the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) wrote in a social media post.
“This fish is almost 20 pounds larger than the rod and reel record but 11 pounds short of the unrestricted division record – which was caught on a trotline in 1977 in Wister Reservoir,” the agency said.
Images show the fisherman holding up his catch, which is almost as tall as him:
Check out this flathead! Bradly Courtright caught this MASSIVE 95 pound flathead catfish in Pine Creek Reservoir on a…
Posted by Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) on Tuesday, May 28, 2024
The ODWC also said the catfish was approximately the size of a sixth-grade child, adding that catfish can grow even bigger.
Flathead catfish are commonly found in large impoundments and streams, and adults like to spend their time near covered areas in big pools and holes, per the ODWC’s website.
“Flathead catfish are a favorite of many anglers. Most are taken while trotlining, juglining, limblining, or noodling. Flatheads can exceed 100 pounds,” the site read, adding that catfish prefer to feed on live fish and crayfish.
The agency continued:
Spawning usually takes place in late May or early June when the water temperature reaches 75 degrees F. Hollow logs, overhanging underwater ledges, or holes under mud banks are typical nesting places. Females lay about 10,000 eggs each. Males guard the eggs against intruders, including the female. Eggs hatch in six to 10 days as determined by temperature. After hatching, the fry is attended for a short time by the male as they feed in a dense school.
Social media users were quick to share their thoughts on Courtright’s fish, one person writing, “And that’s why I don’t swim in water I can’t see to the bottom! Congrats on a heck of a catch!”
“Wow I’ve caught a 57 but never a monster like this!” another user said.
In April, a 15-year-old girl in Ohio caught a giant blue catfish while fishing with her father and a friend, according to Breitbart News. The fish weighed a massive 101 pounds:
Please share !!!It’s official our daughter Jaylynn Parker caught the new OHIO STATE record blue cat !! Had him…
Posted by Kristen Powell Parker on Monday, April 8, 2024
“It’s official, our daughter Jaylynn Parker caught the new OHIO STATE record blue cat !! Had him officially weighed this morning 101.11,” her mother wrote in a Facebook post.
