In a remarkable feat, Micka Burkhart of Big Rock, Tennessee has broken the state record for blue catfish for the second time. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) confirmed that Burkhart caught a catfish weighing 122 pounds and three ounces, surpassing his own previous record. The impressive catch was made at the Barkley Reservoir in Stewart County, measuring 57.5 inches in length and 42.5 inches in girth.
Burkhart’s latest record-breaking catch was made on June 28, and the certification and official record process were completed on July 11. Fox News Digital reached out to Burkhart for comment on his remarkable achievement.
Notably, Burkhart’s current record catfish exceeded his previous catch from September 2022, weighing four pounds and three ounces more. Both of Burkhart’s record-breaking catfish were reportedly released back into the wild.
Blue catfish, which can be found along the coasts and inlands of various states in New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast, have a typical lifespan of nine to 10 years, with some living up to 25 years. While the average length of blue catfish is less than two feet, they can grow up to five feet in length. These fish have a distinct appearance, with silvery-blue color, white belly, and smooth scale-less skin. They are characterized by their flat dorsal fins, deeply forked tails, and four pairs of black whisker-like barbels around their mouths.
Blue catfish have gained popularity among anglers due to their strength, savvy nature, and the challenge they present. The largest blue catfish ever recorded weighed 143 pounds and was caught in Kerr Lake, between North Carolina and Virginia, in 2011.
Cortney Moore, an associate lifestyle writer on the Lifestyle team at Fox News Digital, authored this article.
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