Rayburn Report and a Massive Catfish that I Wish Now We Would Have Weighed

If you don't think a Lew's Super Duty 3 is a stout rod....watch this. I've seen guys estimating this fish in the 45-70+ range, but I had a fulltime catfish guide tell me this thing was certainly pushing the Rayburn rod & reel record of 74..you be the judge!

I'd say more like 50-60. That flathead doesn't have the girth to be in the 70's.

Here's a 75lber for comparison. http://internationalfishingnews.blogspot.com/2012/03/usa-75-lb-flathead-catfish-caught.html

First pic is a 38lb flathead second is 67lbs. Just for reference.

I tend to think about 50#s. Wish he wouldn't have been a wennie and held it up so we could get a good look.

I think 50#s at best if its pushing that.

Awesome fish, but I don't know if that fish would break #40.

I caught one like that in my kayak it was just under 40. I think this one is about the same.

That guy is pretty scared of that fish.

To heck with that catfish. Who's that Hammer on the front of the boat! Had a great time fishing with my friend Ken. I love that flipping bite, and my ribs were sore from the last 3 weekends of catching them. As Ken said, the bigger fish are just few and real far between. By the way - where were all the dogs? haha.

That would be fun!

I've caught 2 over 40#. That cat wouldn't touch 40

I wrote a book titled, "The Art of Fishing for Records" and have received over 200 records and awards from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Depsrtment. One of the things I have learned over the years is that it is very hard to look at a fish and predict the actual weight. I know people who get close but even the most experienced anglers will be deceived at times. Typically anglers over estimate the weight of a fish. To make matters worse many of the scales do not give and accurate weight.

^^^^ This guy knows flatheads.