Did you know that someone caught the biggest bullhead catfish ever recorded in the United States? This amazing fish broke all records and made history. If you love fishing or are curious about big fish, you’re going to love learning all about the world record bullhead catfish. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the fish itself, where it was caught, who caught it, and how you might catch one too!
What Is a Bullhead Catfish?
A bullhead catfish is a freshwater fish that lives mostly in rivers, lakes, and ponds across North America. It’s part of the catfish family, known for their whisker-like barbels around the mouth. There are three main types of bullhead catfish — black bullhead, brown bullhead, and yellow bullhead. These fish are small compared to flathead or blue catfish, but they’re strong fighters and fun to catch.
Bullhead catfish are bottom dwellers. That means they live and feed near the bottom of the water. They eat almost anything, from insects and worms to small fish and plants. Because of their hardy nature, they are often found in muddy, warm waters where other fish may not survive. Anglers like them not just for sport but also for food, as they taste great when cooked.
Where Was the World Record Bullhead Catfish Caught?
The world record bullhead catfish was caught right here in the United States. This incredible catch happened in a quiet little fishing spot that’s now famous because of this fish. The location? New York State, specifically in Lake Mahopac — a peaceful lake that has now earned its name in the record books.
Many people fish in places like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, thinking those northern lakes hold the biggest fish, but this record proves that bullhead catfish can grow huge even in smaller, overlooked lakes. If you’ve ever fished in a small lake and wondered what’s lurking below, this story proves that monsters might be hiding down there!
How Big Was the Record Bullhead Catfish?
This bullhead wasn’t just big — it was gigantic for its species! Bullhead catfish usually grow to about 1 to 2 pounds, but this one blew the average size out of the water. Let’s look at just how massive this record-breaking catfish really was.
Weight of the Bullhead Catfish
The record bullhead catfish weighed a whopping 7 pounds 6 ounces. That’s more than triple the size of a normal adult bullhead. Most anglers would be thrilled to catch a 3-pounder, but this one? It shocked even experienced fishermen. At over 7 pounds, it became the heaviest bullhead catfish ever caught on official record.
Length of the Bullhead Catfish
Not only was it heavy, but it was also long. This catfish measured around 20 inches in length. That’s almost as long as a medium-sized dog! Bullheads usually measure between 10 and 14 inches, so this one was way beyond average. Its thick, muscular body made it stand out even more.
What Makes This Fish Special?
What makes this fish special isn’t just its size. It’s the fact that bullhead catfish don’t usually grow this big. Unlike blue or flathead catfish, bullheads grow slowly and rarely exceed a few pounds. That’s why this fish was such a surprise. It shows that with the right conditions — deep water, plenty of food, and time — bullhead catfish can reach incredible sizes.
Who Caught the Record Bullhead Catfish?
The legendary fish was caught by Walter Maxwell, a lifelong fisherman from New York. He was out fishing just like any other day, using simple gear and a basic rig. He wasn’t trying to set a record — he just loved fishing. When he felt the big tug on his line, he knew it was something special. But even he didn’t expect to reel in a world record.
Maxwell followed all the official rules, got the weight verified, and submitted it to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). After checking everything, they officially declared it the world’s biggest bullhead catfish ever caught. Since then, no one has been able to break his record.
Fun Facts About Bullhead Catfish
Bullhead catfish might not be as famous as bass or trout, but they’re super interesting! Here are some fun facts about them:
- Bullheads can live in low-oxygen water where other fish can’t survive.
- They are mostly active at night, making them perfect for night fishing.
- Bullheads have sharp spines on their fins that can poke you if you’re not careful!
- Some bullhead catfish live for over 10 years in the wild.
- They can taste with their entire body, especially with their barbels and skin.
How to Catch a Big Bullhead Catfish
Catching a big bullhead catfish isn’t about fancy gear. It’s about knowing where and when to fish, and what bait to use. Anyone — even beginners — can catch one if they follow the right steps.
Best Baits for Bullhead Catfish
Bullhead catfish will bite almost anything that strong or meaty. But for the big ones, use:
- Nightcrawlers (worms)
- Chicken liver
- Cut bait (like pieces of fish)
- Stink bait
- Shrimp
These baits release smells in the water that bullheads love. Use a small hook and keep the bait near the bottom.
Best Time to Catch Them
The best time to catch bullhead catfish is during the evening, night, or early morning. They come out to feed when it’s dark. Spring and early summer are also great seasons because they’re more active in warmer water.
Top States for Catching Bullhead Catfish
If you’re hoping to land a big one, try fishing in these U.S. states:
- New York (home of the record)
- Minnesota
- Michigan
- Iowa
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Wisconsin
These states have clean lakes, deep rivers, and lots of food sources for bullhead catfish to grow big and strong.
Can You Break the Record?
It’s tough — but not impossible. The world record for bullhead catfish has stood for years, but nature always surprises us. If you fish often, know the right places, and use the best bait, you could be the next record holder. Keep your gear simple, stay patient, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. You never know what’s on the other end of your fishing line.
The Bottom Line
The world record bullhead catfish proves that even small species can make big headlines. It shows us that fishing is full of surprises, and you don’t need to travel far or spend tons of money to catch a legendary fish. Whether you’re a kid fishing with your grandpa or a serious angler chasing trophies, the bullhead catfish offers both fun and excitement.
Remember, the record fish was caught using basic tackle and natural bait — nothing fancy. What mattered most was being in the right place at the right time. So keep fishing, keep learning, and maybe one day, your name will be the one in the record books.