As anglers, we all dream of landing a trophy catch.
From the moment we learn how to fish, to the last time we ever throw a line in, hooking an absolute monster is the crowning achievement of this lifestyle.
Especially if you can prove it!
We’re no different at Bonfirebob, and so we decided to compile record-breaking information on a variety of fish species, so you have something to aspire to in your neck of the woods.
Monster Catches – Current US State Carp Records 2024
Carp is one of the most popular fish to hunt, as it’s considered an invasive species, stocks are plentiful, and they can reach impressive weights and sizes.
Here we have the heaviest carps ever hooked in US waters, organized by state, location, and the year caught.
And, of course, the one that beats them all, a 75 lbs beast snagged in Mississippi in 1963.
Simply hover over a state to find the current record on the map below.
If there’s no information listed, it’s likely because no records exist for that particular location – so perhaps you should get out there and change that.
Either way, records are made to be broken, and it’s definitely time for a new champ at the top.
Hold my beer.
Mi-WOW! Current US State Catfish Records 2024
If you like chasing the whiskers, then these records will be for you. Catfish have a cult following among anglers, which is also considered an invasive species with good stocks in the US.
Land yourself a beast, and you’ll have yourself an enviable trophy catch and a story you’ll dine out on for years to come.
You’ll find state records on the “big three” below. The most sought after and popular catfish species – channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish.
Biggest Channel Catfish Records in the U.S.
Arguably the most popular for whisker lovers, the channel catfish is the most numerous species, found extensively in the US and hunted by some eight million anglers each year.
As such, records are plentiful, and you’ll find an interactive map below with records by state for the “channel cat.”
Biggest Blue Catfish Records in the U.S.
The blue happens to be the largest of the catfish species, and they can reach weights of around 150 lbs, and live for up to 20 years.
Unfortunately, there is no map information available, but we do have the top seven blue catfish state records listed for you below.
Blue Catfish State Records
State | Weight | Location | Year | Angler |
Virginia | 143 lbs | Buggs Island Lake (Kerr Reservoir) | 2011 | Richard “Nick” Anderson |
Missouri | 130 lbs 0 oz | Missouri River | 2010 | Greg Bernal |
Illinois | 124 lbs 4 oz | Mississippi River | 2005 | Tim Pruitt |
Texas | 121 lbs 5 oz | Lake Texoma | 2004 | Cody Mullenix |
Alabama | 120 lbs 4 oz | Holt Reservoir | 2012 | John Paul |
Arkansas | 116 lbs 12 oz | Mississippi River W. Memphis | 2001 | Charles Ashley Jr. |
Tennessee | 112 lbs 0 oz | Cumberland River – Lock C | 1998 | Robert E. Lewis |
Biggest Flathead Catfish Records in the U.S.
If you’re looking for a tasty catch, flatheads should be on your radar, although all three species are delicious if prepared correctly.
Like blues, flathead cats also regularly reach over 100 lbs and make excellent trophy fish.
Again, interactive map information is limited, so you’ll have to settle for the top seven state records for flathead catfish listed below.
Flathead Catfish State Records
State | Weight | Location | Year | Angler |
Kansas | 123 lbs 0 oz | Elk City Reservoir | 1998 | Ken Paulie |
Texas | 98 lbs 8 oz | Lake Palestine | 1998 | James Laster |
Kentucky | 97 lbs 0 oz | Green River | 1956 | Esker Carroll |
Tennessee | 85 lbs 15 oz | Hiwassee River | 1993 | Larry Kaylor |
Georgia | 83 lbs 0 oz | Altamaha River | 2010 | Jim Dieveney |
Iowa | 81 lbs 0 oz | Lake Ellis | 1958 | Joe Baze |
Alabama | 80 lbs 0 oz | Alabama River near Selma | 1986 | Rick Conner |
Arkansas | 80 lbs 0 oz | Arkansas River | 1989 | Wesley White |
Nebraska | 80 lbs 0 oz | Loup Power Canal – near Genoa | 1988 | William Swanson |
Current US State Fishing Records 2024
In this map, we cover the heaviest species ever caught in each state, how much it weighed, the body of water it was hooked in, and the year it became a record breaker.
From paddle fish to sturgeon, alligator gar to even great white sharks, the largest fish landed in each state is here. Take a look and find out which species it is for your area.
Again, hover over the map to see all the information at your fingertips, and discover some seriously big fish in the process.
You might be surprised by what you see.
Summary
While some anglers enjoy telling seriously tall fishing tales, there’s no disputing official records when it comes to the largest beasts ever caught in the US.
And many haven’t changed for several decades – which surely means it’s time they did?
Let me know in the comments which record you would like to break and why, and I wish you the best of luck in adding your catch to these maps one day.
Unless I beat you to it!