I'd very much like to catch a Wells in that range. The guys that built one of my DR's (LARM) are in Spain, on the Erbo River. They've offered for me to just show up and go.

I may do that.

I grew up catching Catfish in Arizona and have pursued the largest species around the world.

In Brazil, we've caught the three largest species on a regular basis. The Redtail, The Jau and the biggest, the Piraiba.

I've chased big Vundu in many of Africa's rivers as well. I want to do a trip to India some time to pursue the Goonch Catfish. Problem there is that many of their waters are closed due to religious observances.

A group of anglers that I fish with regularly and I have even suggested that there be a "Big 5" of the worlds Catfishes.

Goonch,Jau, Redtail, Piraiba and the Wells as described in your link. They all get well over 100# and some like the Piraiba approach 400#.

Thanks for posting that link. His story is amusing.

This is an interesting story:
https://www.tennessean.com/sto...pounder/70411112007/

Guy ends up catching the same fish, twice, at different times breaking his own state record.

The farm help killed a 208 lb catfish in the irrigation ditch out of elephant butte dam in New Mexico, some years ago.made the El Paso times headlines, the water went down and trapped the old boy..

I made my first fishing trips to Elephant Butte and Caballo when I was kid living in Las Cruces. The last time I saw Elephant Butte, I was staying at Ted Turner's place in T or C. It was a sad sight. Looked more like a big mud puddle. Couldn't believe it could get so low and still exist. It was 80% below normal at that time.

Steve,
Where in Arizona did you fish for cats and what was your biggest?

quote:

Originally posted by degoins:
Steve,
Where in Arizona did you fish for cats and what was your biggest?

I was raised in North Phoenix. We typically fished the Verde River between Horseshoe lake and Bartlett lake. Bartlett has become the crown jewell for large Flathead Catfish. My PB is 54. There are multiple mid 60's caught frequently.

A new up and comer is Lake Havasu. I actually bought a home here early this year. The lake is FULL of Flatheads. Their size isn't remarkable. Most fish are 8-15#. BUT, I maintain the big fish have different habits here due to clear water (VERY Clear) due to Zebra muscles. And the lower water temperature as well. Its a colder water system than the Verde. Just need to find em'

I'm going out fishing tomorrow here in Havasu. We also have absolutely giant redder sunfish here. The world record keeps getting broken. Over 6# is the current record. They get so big because of the Zebra muscles, that is their favorite food.

https://igfa.org/2021/07/31/wo...cords-for-july-2021/

I'll report back.

Speaking of Elephant Butte it is currently at just 3.8 percent of capacity. And yes, they do get some big flatheads out of it.
This is a useful map and you can see where the drought line begins.
https://www.waterdatafortexas....reservoirs/statewide