Look who crashed my party...

I thought some eater blue cats might make for a good dinner. Haven't targeted catfish in a while.

So I headed off to my favorite bank fishing spot. Was able to make bait pretty quick. Shad everywhere.

So I got set up and after 3 hours of nothing. One of the rods ticks. Just a bit. Then goes slack. Freaking turtle.

I grabbed the rod and hit it hard just to shake off The unwanted reptilian.

I immediately get lit up. Something huge goes on a run like I've never seen before. The drag is absolutely screaming in the fight is on.

35 mins later...this guy joins me on the bank. What a rush!!!

For reference I wear a size 15 shoe. Fish was released and swam off looking strong.

Dan wears a size 6.5 ladies shoe and I won’t be convinced otherwise.

That’s good stuff right there Caribou! I met Dan at the ramp and the guy is a giant...I’m 6’2” and he was looking down at me. Not sure about his shoe size though! Lol...Nice fish Dan! Bet it pulled like a movie chair!

Admit it, you looked.

Bruh the fight was insane!! I was out gunned with my Wal Mart team catfish ugly Stik and 17lb test. lucky for me this dude was pretty much in open water there was nothing for him to wrap me on. I really never felt the need to put a whole lot of pressure on him or a need horse him in.

There was an elderly couple out for a walk and they came by to watch the battle. The old lady was funny.She just kept saying oh my oh my oh my oh my.

When I finally got it in she asked what is it? I said "Well....clearly its a goddamn lake monster!! "

She said, "Oh my!"

Did not get anything for eating... but it definitely made the day!! Freaking rush seeing that giant mouth come up.

Dan, something not right with you. I'll take a flathead for eating over most other kinds of fish. You coulda filled your freezer with prime fillets!!

Yes Zack...I hear you.

And I'm all about keeping catfish, especially now! Times are tough right LOL Fish are nutritious, delicious and when harvested responsibly are a renewable resource.

That said big ones like this are special fish, not common...I wouldn't feel right killing it. Hopefully some kid catches it.

Yep. Excellent eating.

Nice pescado!

Good job

Dan, looking at the fish with X amount of your shoe beside the head (but not fully), if you did not weigh it, looks to be between 24 to 35., maybe up to a 38 pounder.

And yes, that would be a lot of meat, whether for you, or other families (wondering about their next meal) as well, in this Corona Chaos.

Hi Lynn

I taped the fish out using the rod to be 39/40 inches. So likely right around 30lbs is my guess.

Yes Sir they can make a BIG SPLASH at any party! Bet the fight was a good one.

Excellent fish and great job on letting it go. Eating it would have been fine, but this way someone else has the chance at a fish of a lifetime.

I was going to guess 24-27 pounds.

Super nice catch on R&R and good on releasing it.

Nice! Hope a kid gets a chance to tangle with it!

Beautiful fish, congrats and good job of releasing!

Thanks fellas!!

I'm going to go back over there tomorrow morning and try for some eaters again. I would still like a few for supper and my Mom and neighbor also have requested fresh catfish LOL.

Pressure is on.

I hope this guy stops by again. I wouldn't mind scrapping with him one more time haha

Great job Landing then releasing that fish!