New VA state blue catfish record

[Critter Gitter]

From the DNR site
Maryland DNR's Fisheries Service Home Page
Josh Fitchett of Montpelier, Virginia has broken the state record for blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay division, with a 65 pound, 8 ounce monster fish caught on the tidal Potomac River near Fort Washington on September 30, 2006. Josh is a regular participant in catfish tournaments, and was named "Angler of the Year" by the Virginia Catfish Association in 2005. He caught his fish on a whole gizzard shad bait fished on an 8/0 circle hook. In an unusual turn of events, Josh was able to keep his record fish alive in his live well and deliver it to the Bass Pro Shops Arundel Mills store in Hanover, MD. The fish was certified by DNR biologists at the quarantine tank in the back of the store and eventually the big cat will go on display for all to see in Bass Pro Shop's 26,000 gallon aquarium. Josh's catch eclipsed the previous record set by Michael Kingree of Arlington, VA. with a blue cat of 53 pounds on December 6, 2001 on the Greenway Flats on the tidal Potomac River. Blue catfish were first documented in the tidal Potomac in the mid 1990s, and have increased in numbers since that time.

[DaveH]

Wow, That is one big fish!

[fish-aholic]

The chesapeake division has a ways to go to catch up to those james monsters.....here's the overall state record
Blue Catfish 95 lbs 11 oz James River 06-15-2006 Archie D. Gold

[RACN35]

that pic of Archie dont do justice at all !! you shoulda been standing 3 feet awat when that pic was taken !! AWESOME !!!