A Newport man has officially set a new state record in Michigan after landing a colossal flathead catfish weighing 64.46 pounds and measuring 45 inches in length. Codie Carlson was bowfishing in Plum Creek, Monroe County on June 29, when he made the impressive catch.
This remarkable fish surpasses the previous record, held by Lloyd Tanner from Hobart, Indiana, who caught a 53.35-pound flathead catfish measuring 43 inches in 2022 in the St. Joseph River, Berrien County.
Carlson, who passionately identifies as a “true fishoholic,” shared his surprise at the catch, stating he initially thought he was going to shoot a channel catfish for dinner. To his astonishment, he discovered the presence of flathead catfish in the waters.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed the record, with fisheries biologist John Buszkiewicz involved in the verification process. Interestingly, Buszkiewicz and his team may have previously encountered this very fish during a 2020 survey, where it was recorded at 55 pounds and 43 inches.
This achievement not only showcases the incredible fishing opportunities available in Michigan but also highlights the growth of local catfish populations. With the DNR monitoring and managing aquatic ecosystems, anglers like Carlson can look forward to even more thrilling fishing experiences in the future.