Channel catfish, black crappie, walleye and striped bass are all popular catches. Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Reddit. Catches must follow program rules and fishing regulations. Named because of its big mouth. Circle hooks are arguably the best hook for beginners to use and are common as saltwater fishing hooks as well. In one of the first records to fall in 2021, California angler David Burruss boated an absolute slab. These fish do not run in the same crowd as tarpon and speckled trout, but they do have a dedicated cult following and a few positive attributes. The following list of state saltwater fishing records is according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. The blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is the largest species of North American catfish, reaching a length of 165 cm (65 in) and a weight of 68 kg (150 lb). In 2005 a man caught a Mekong catfish of 9 feet, weighing 646 pounds , taking the world record for the biggest catfish in the world. Stink Bait, the Smelly Catfish Bait. 9 pounds: 48. The average adult size is ten inches and half a pound. Flathead Catfish. 5 to 12 centimeters in total length — that’s a little less than an inch to about 4. Angler: Edward Davis. Finding (and catching) the bait. 9) The 280-Pounder. Whaley caught the massive specimen in 1964 while using a bucktail jig. This unique species of catfish is a South American native. Range: Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. The largest and most well known species was D. Thread starter hatchrooster; Start date Mar 31, 2012; Mar 31, 2012 #1 hatchrooster Senior Member. Yes, the saltwater hardhead catfish is edible. Because saltwater catfish are not particularly large, you can fish for them with either light or medium gauge tackle with the reel of your choice. Females produce 4,000 to 8,000 eggs per kilogram of body weight—so a 10-pound fish could produce more than 20,000 eggs. Trash Fish Tuesday is a new project from the MeatEater Fishing Department investigating, explaining, and celebrating some of our misunderstood and under-appreciated native fishes. The underparts have a pinkish suffusion, which is most evident in males. Gen 3 Warrior Cat Bumping Rod. First,. 5-pound, former world-record blue cat. International team now tracking the 661-pound giant freshwater stingray's movements to better understand, protect the species and key freshwater habitatsA 661-pound stingray caught in the Mekong was tagged and tracked. The blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is the largest species of North American catfish, reaching a length of 165 cm (65 in) and a weight of 68 kg (150 lb). Barbels at corner of mouth (shorter than head and not flat) Similar Species: Gafftopsail catfish, B. Fishing Freshwater Fishing Catfishing 10 of the Biggest World Record Catfish of All Time From behemoth blues to fat flatheads, here's a look at 10 of the most impressive world record catfish. Its filter feeding relative, Titanichthys, may have rivaled it in size. 5 kg. Pat the clean catfish fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Florida has a new state record for flathead catfish, with the report of a 70-pounder caught on the same river as the previous record. The fish can live to 20 years. There is a big difference in a hardhead and a sail cat. Redtail Catfish This catfish gets way to big for the majority of home aquariums. Common Names: Spotted-catfish,speckled catfish, silver catfish, fork-tailed catfish. The good news about catfish, though, is that when they pick at your bait they’ll attract more attention to it. The blue catfish is a ray-finned fish, a species of catfish, and the largest species of all North American catfish. A 15-year-old Missourian caught the fish of his dreams during a mid-August outing on the Missouri River with his father, boating a 108-pound blue catfish that some say is the. Another reason why catfish get so big is because they live in warm waters. They range from 2. The species is considered one of the biggest freshwater fish in the world —and the. They have a slender, elongated shape with a forked tail and slighlty flattened head. Redtail catfish are large bottom dwelling fish requiring an experienced aquarist. Ever. A reel with a retrieve ratio of 6:1 reels in line faster than a reel with a ratio of 5:1. Hardhead catfish spawning peaks during June and July, and is most commonly done in shallow bays and estuaries. Freshwater Records 5) Smallmouth Buffalo: 82. The rod. Neither the blue nor channel cat are lookers, the flathead, though, makes you look twice. The white sturgeon is the largest freshwater fish in North America. Courtesy Jeff Pierce. When it comes to identifying a hardhead, they are easy to distinguish from a gafftopsail catfish. They are a threatened species. White Hake: 41 pounds, 7 ounces, caught in 1989 by Wayne Eble off of Barnegat Light. October 2017 *3. However, little do they know; blues are the largest and most migratory North American catfish species. A big, heavy gauge circle hook— perhaps up to 14/0, if you can find one—will secure the bulky bait. (Alessandro Biancardi / MADCAT) After a few attempts of gloving the fish's mouth, the animal was still too strong. They are a popular recreational catch. Weight: 12. Myth #10: They Can Get Big Enough to Eat Me. The biggest flathead caught in California was a 72 pound 14 ouncer caught by Billy Joe Potter on the Colorado River. 6. In South Carolina, blue catfish are found in. Saltwater Catfish. Dredge the fish in the cornmeal mixture and gently coat the fillets on all sides. 2. Here are the IGFA’s records for the three most common U. Catfish have four barbels ("whiskers") that hang from the lower jaw, two from each corner of the mouth and two from the top of the head near the mouth. Some catfish prefer stagnant water and others call rivers and streams with fast-moving currents their homes, it all depends. The Rundown. “Use fresh-cut gizzard shad, 1- to 4-inch chunks. Having said that, whale sharks rarely grow more than 39 feet in length. 5 lbs , which was not only a Texas. Named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers, catfish range in size and behavior from the three largest species alive, the Mekong giant catfish from Southeast Asia, the wels catfish of Eurasia, and the piraíba of South America, to. pH: 7. What’s the biggest catfish ever caught in the United States? Cody Mullenix of Howe Texas caught the fish on January 16th, 2004 which became known as “Splash” while fishing at the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge on Lake Texoma. W. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation. This can be in the middle of a big shoal, in a deep-water bend of the river with large boulders or on the bank behind a tree in the water. Soak the catfish in the milk. Think 150 gallons or bigger. The three largest species of catfish are the Mekong giant catfish, the Wels catfish and the Piraiba. Even without counting, young channel cats tend to have small black spots while young blues are solid silver/gray with no. “So every single time it’s like an adrenaline rush that this could be the next biggest fish and it just so. Overview The saltwater catfish is a species of sea catfish that can be found in the northwest Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. The common pleco is the "suckerfish" often seen stuck to the aquarium glass. Best Overall: Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp L141 Kahle. com. Gafftopsail catfish tend to have a preference for saltwater but are known to be in brackish waters, too. Cory Catfish Size. Dino Ferrari’s 8. 75 lbs. 5 feet long! ©M. What is the biggest catfish ever recorded? The Mekong giant catfish is the official freshwater heavyweight champion of the world. There are more than 3000 different catfish species in the world, including the Asian Mekong giant catfish , the large Wels catfish and the tiny cory catfish found in South America. occurring in some waters. For blue catfish, try using fresh-cut bait like mullet. Although they start very small when sold at the fish store, these catfish can grow up to a few feet long in the wild. In Florida there are three dominant species of armored catfish swimming in our waters, the Sailfin Catfish, the vermiculated Sailfin and the Hypostomus (Plecos). Only fishes classified as food fish ( WAC 220-300-370) and game fish ( WAC 220-300-380) may be submitted as a potential sport fish record. That’s why. 75 inches. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly on both sides. 0. Its body is elongated and cylindrical in shape, with a broad, flattened head that tapers to a narrow, pointed snout. Keith “Catfish” Sutton’s latest book, Hardcore Catfishing, was released in April last year. Blue catfish commonly attain weights of 20 to 40 pounds, and may reach weights well in excess of 100 pounds. Image source: IGFA. The vast majority of catfish live in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and ponds. The world record for blue catfish, recorded by the IGFA, weighs 143 pounds, with the longest one measuring over four feet in length. Saltwater Fish. Best For Most Anglers: Penn Battle II and III 5000 (click to see) “The Penn Battle is made to last and handles huge fighting fish. October 04, 2010. It’s the largest artificial reef in the area and home to a range of exciting fish species. Joe Cermele SHARE. May 25 was just another normal day. The Saltwater Reel Big Fish program recognizes anglers for extraordinarily-sized catches of the 30 different saltwater species listed below. Upper jaw is longer than, and overlaps the. Keith “Catfish” Sutton’s latest book, Hardcore Catfishing, was released in April last year. If needed, it’s recommended to take a few Tylenol or Advil. Measuring over nine feet long (285cm), Biancardi’s fish should set a new world record for the. The channel catfish at the Kids' Farm at the Smithsonian's National Zoo are fed a floating pellet, though they also eat aquatic insects, algae and plants that occur naturally in the pond. Contact Us. A big ball of juicy nightcrawlers, for example, is one great choice. 0–7. Dino Ferrari’s 8. 4. But many species may yet be saved. Speckled Trout. This adorable reef dweller gets lots of attention in movies, professional reef. Clubb Minor’s Can. This fish can reach lengths of up to 5 feet and weights over 200 pounds, but many claim they can become much larger. 25 inches: 8/26/2020. 2, when Doty caught a 49-pound leucistic flathead from a small creek around 3 a. . 75 pounds. See moreWhat is a saltwater catfish? Several species are considered saltwater catfish, but the two most common are the hardhead catfish. . Use a three-way rig with a 20-pound-test main line and a 17-pound-test leader. Food Habits: Crayfish, frogs, fish or insects. ** Because of Federal regulations, these species can no longer be legally retained and must be released alive, the record listed will remain. Juveniles have darker mottling. Do not use. The angler was using a Jackson rod and an Abu Garcia 6500 GR spooled with 16-pound Varivas line. Yellowfin tuna are one of the premier big-game fish of the North Carolina coastline. There are 37 catfish families, with species found in both freshwater and saltwater. Meanwhile, we commercially produced another 307 million pounds here at home. Weighing in at 37 pounds, 14 ounces, the cat measured 46. It was one of 20 big gafftops we caught on that hot summer day. Oftentimes you’ll be getting a bunch of nibbles, then your rod will go silent, then the next thing you know, you have a big red on. 8) Skaneateles – The Cleanest Lake in New York! This Finger Lake is the cleanest lake in New York. The largest type of catfish in the world is the Wels catfish, which can grow up to 15 feet long! ©Rostislav Stefanek/Shutterstock. Length: 7’ Construction: Graphite and fiberglass Power: Medium heavy Guides: One-piece stainless Reel. Maximum lifespan for channel catfish is believed to be around 15 years. Mix 1 cup ground yellow cornmeal, 1 cup cornflour, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of salt, half a teaspoon of cayenne, and ground black pepper in a bowl. The largest saltwater catfish is the Hardhead catfish. 5 inches for the 6-foot extended length version. They live up to 13 years old. Next wash with soap, then soak for about 30 min in warm water. Piraiba is considered the largest catfish in the amazon river basin, reportedly exceeding 8 feet in length and weighing in excess of 400 lbs. 21, 1996: Larry C. Record Redtail Catfish (Pirarara) Weight: 123 lbs 7 oz (56 kg) Length: 4. 76-foot, or 267-centimeter, wels catfish caught on the River Po in February 2015 was hailed as a world record at the time, eclipsing a record 255-centimeter. Gafftopsail catfish get their name. They are a popular fish for anglers who want to eat their catch. The official all-tackle world record for a wels catfish is 297 pounds, 9 ounces caught March 11, 2010 by Attila Zsedely in Italy’s river po. Average size is about 2. If you’re targeting the biggest, strongest fish in deep water, this is the reel you want. A more common weight and length of gafftopsails caught is 1–2 lb (450–910 g) and 12–16 in (30–41 cm). Bottom feeder fish can be found in natural freshwater settings and in saltwater natural settings. Range: Blue catfish are native to the Mississippi River basin. These stand out because they are short and stiff. This yardstick-length channel cat was caught on Game Club Pond by Colby Kerttula. A couple hours later, he landed his. 32 ozs. A list of fish which are the state record for size, their capture date and the name of the person who caught them alongside an image of the fish. Raymond Houtmans Date of capture: July 9, 1988 Bait: live catfish Time of battle: one hour, 5. Every good inshore angler knows there are just THREE basic things behind consistently catching solid inshore saltwater fish with live bait. The only true saltwater catfish species found in the aquarium hobby is the striped eel catfish also known as the coral catfish. Saltwater Catfish. We rounded up the best catfish baits to help you land more fish this year. terrelli, which grew almost 9 m (29. 5 inches: 38. 90: 14. 5. Channel catfish are the smaller of the common catfish found in the US with flatheads and blue catfish getting quite a bit larger. How to Cook Saltwater Catfish. The largest and most well known species was D. 5-pound, former world-record blue cat. These barbels help the catfish find crabs, fish and shrimp in the muddy bays where they live. The skin of this catfish has no scales. The following areas were selected by Florida's freshwater fisheries biologists as being the most likely to be highly productive during 2021 for channel, flathead, blue, and white catfish, and yellow and brown bullhead. 20. The leader should be 20- to 30-pound-test and about 18 inches long. A slip bobber on the hi-vis cable rig helps detect strikes, while also serving as a visual marker in muddy waters. A traditional circle hook is an excellent choice for use with channel catfish and blue catfish. 3. What Types Live In Freshwater? Most catfish live in freshwater. Channel Catfish: 36 pounds 8 ounces. Lifespan: 60 years. They have four barbels ("whiskers") that hang from the lower jaw, two from each corner of the mouth and two from the top of the head near the mouth. The largest gafftopsail ever recorded was 27 inches and 9 pounds. Without further ado, the 17 biggest fish ever caught are: 17. The meat of old catfish also tends to get old and mushy, providing a different and more gamey flavor when cooked. This huge tank size is obviously quite a lot compared to most freshwater home aquariums. The size of a catfish depends on its species and environment. That said, blues in the 4 to 10 pound-class are far more typical. Part of the problem is a provision in the 2008 Farm Bill that requires processors to have a U. 99 USD Regular price Sale price $12. 00: Aug 4, 2019: Gulf of Mexico: Tricia Conner : Angelfish, Blue 2. Molly fish are small, peaceful fish that grow to around 3-4 inches and adapt well to a variety of water conditions. Like many marine fish, it is dark on top and light on bottom. What You Need You also want to use hefty gear, as these fish are not only big, but are likely the strongest of the catfish family. The gafftopsail catfish ( Bagre marinus) is one of the two most common species of saltwater catfish, the other being the hardhead catfish (Ariopsis felis), found in the waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea from as far south as Panama and as far north as Cape Cod. 75 pounds. When most people think of trophy-sized catfish, they usually think of flatheads. Alessandro Biancardi, with from the MADCAT ITALY team, shocked the whole catfish world with a massive 9-foot-long, 330-pound catfish caught in the Po River. Saltwater catfish are known for having a larger amount of slime than their freshwater counterparts. The nearly full line held fish ranging in size from 6 to 12 pounds that, when dressed, produced more than 150 pounds of catfish filets. Circle hooks are arguably the best hook for beginners to use and are common as saltwater fishing hooks as well. In late October, news of a giant wels catfish caught from Spain’s Ebro River made the rounds on the Internet. State record: 10. ”. The typical length is about 25–46 in (64–117 cm). 2 pounds. These spines are not only sharp, they also have a coating of toxic slime. The coral catfish color changes as the fish grows. Redfish. Spanning 467,000 acres, it’s also Florida’s largest lake. Facts: After a year of feeding on zooplankton, Mekong cats become herbivores. 9 lbs and measured 48 inches long. Aquarium Fish Depot has one of the largest selections of saltwater and freshwater aquarium fish including amazing array of aquatic pets of all kinds. Extra Heavy : these are the heaviest poles, and are used either for catching the biggest fish, or for fishing with extra large lures or rigs, such as over sized. The giant devil catfish, or goonch. State records for the heaviest marine fishes caught in Florida waters, or in federal waters extending directly outward of Florida state line boundaries, are maintained for 81 species in conventional tackle and fly-fishing categories. We rounded up the best catfish baits to help you land more fish this year. The common name, hardhead catfish, is derived from the presence of a hard, bony plate extending. 7 meter long and weighed 100 lb / 45 kg. Ideal for anglers targeting catfish under 100 pounds who want a reasonably priced durable spinning reel. Cody Mullenix of Howe Texas caught the fish on January 16th, 2004 which became known as “Splash” while fishing at the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge on lake texoma. 6 inches for males and 7. Catfish have an extraordinarily keen. 02/15/2008. Mekong Catfish In 2005 a man caught a Mekong catfish of 9 feet, weighing 646 pounds , taking the world record for the biggest catfish in the world. The hardhead catfish, Ariopsis felis, has six whiskers, called barbels - one long pair and two shorter pairs. Table of Contents show. Channel cats have between 24 and 29 rays, while blue cats have 30 to 36. Perhaps their most recognized traits are their catlike whiskers, or barbells, and their lack of visible scales. Green iridescence is particularly prominent in this species, covering the head as well as much of the body. In. One of the largest catfish ever recorded weighed in at nearly 700 pounds, while the smallest species of catfish reach just one centimeter in length. The stingray was snagged by a local fisherman south. What’s the biggest catfish ever caught in the United States? Cody Mullenix of Howe Texas caught the fish on January 16th,. The Biggest Saltwater Fish Ever Caught was a 2,664 pound Great White Shark The record was set in 1959 by Alfred Dean off the coast of Ceduna, Australia. The largest type of catfish in the world is the Wels catfish, which can grow up to 15 feet long! ©Rostislav Stefanek/Shutterstock. The dorsal and pectoral fins have sharp, venomous serrated spines. m. Worms are classic catfish bait. Best for Treble. The Chinese algae eater is a very common sucker fish in the hobby but one that should not be bought before doing careful research. The catfish’s mouth and throat are lined with bristle-like sharp points. There are a couple of catfish on our list, starting with a trophy-sized flathead. The Myth: Scuba divers working around big dams have seen enormous catfish hiding in rocky lairs beneath the surface. Species: CATFISH, CHANNEL (Ictalurus punctatus) Species Separation 1994 Rank Weight Angler Where Caught Date Caught. The muddy rivers of. The record has stood for several decades. Ralph Smith. Like channel catfish, the blue catfish pursues a varied diet, but it tends to eat fish earlier in life. In a separate dish, make a marinade by mixing a dash of hot sauce and 1 cup of low-fat buttermilk. S. The two types of saltwater catfish that live along the southeast Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America are the gafftopsail catfish and the hardhead catfish. Hailshadow / Getty Images. Adult Size: 2 inches. This is not the only catfish family with an electric organ, but its electrical ability is particularly well-developed compared to the others. Reeling in large amounts of line and pulling in larger catfish requires a faster retrieve ratio. The snake river in southwest idaho is home to both channel catfish and their larger cousins, flatheads ,. Green iridescence is particularly prominent in this species, covering the head as well as much of the body. This is the saltwater “Hardhead” catfish. White Marlin: 137 pounds, 8 ounces, caught in 1980 by Mike Marchell in Hudson Canyon. But fish approaching or exceeding 100 pounds are caught. Bull sharks are common around the coast because they can live in freshwater, saltwater, and brackish habitats. Twist The Hook Out. Freshwater- rarely exceeds 20lb line test unless going for lunker catfish, sturgeon or landlocked salmon. Pound-for-Pound Fighting Score. Catfish anglers love both of these Zebco reels for two main reasons: first of all the slow speed retrieval combined with the high power drag system makes them perfect for fighting monster cats, and secondly the bait. Allemand: 5/96: Ladyfish : 2. Reportedly, the biggest ever recorded weighed 317 pounds and stretched 9 feet, 1 inch and came out of the Po Delta in Italy. Texoma on the Texas/Oklahoma border, one of the largest reservoirs in the country at 89,000 acres, is considered by many to be best of the best because that’s where Cody Mullennix caught Splash, a 121. Adult Size & Lifespan. There are more than 3000 different catfish species in the world, including the Asian Mekong giant catfish , the large Wels catfish and the tiny cory catfish found in South America. Salt Catfish. The Biggest Saltwater Fish Ever Caught was a 2,664 pound Great White Shark The record was set in 1959 by Alfred Dean off the coast of Ceduna, Australia. Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) Description: ( Anatomy of a Fish) Blue catfish has a deeply forked tail fin. Mekong Giant Catfish. 3-pound white catfish absolutely shattered the previous Connecticut state record white cat, which was a mere 12. The state record flathead catfish weighed 84 pounds, 9. Similarly, the Wels catfish, a popular European species, has been documented to live. The saltwater hardhead catfish is a member of the Ictaluridae family, including the blue catfish and channel catfish. Add the fillets to the pan and cook your fish fry till the meat turns opaque. Start by sliding an egg sinker or sinker slide up your main line, then connect a barrel swivel to the end of the line. It is sold in pet stores as three or four-inch juveniles but can reach an adult length of a couple of feet. Best for Bank Fishing: B’n’M. 0 Lbs Per Foot – This is the minimum I throw. The Pictus Catfish is a nocturnal fish, so don't expect much activity during the day. It is a large fish that can grow almost 6 feet long and have a top weight of 180 pounds. Usually the cut off for eating catfish for me is 8lbs. All three main species of catfish – channel cats, flatheads, and blue catfish – favor natural baits and fish attractants like Team Catfish Dead Red Blood Spray. If a creature attacks a saltwater catfish, it will raise its spines and try to sting its attacker. Both the larger, spine-like main bone and the smaller, rib-like bones are present. From the swivel, attach a 12- to 15-inch piece of leader, ending with a. to bow up on some blue catfish. The channel catfish with the world record weight was a 58-pound fish caught in South Carolina in. The state record is three pounds fifteen ounces. One interesting fact about saltwater catfish is that it is edible to eat and poisonous in some instances. School size: 5+. The largest fish of the now-extinct class Placodermi was the giant predatory Dunkleosteus. Rod. 5 inches (0. Males are slimmer and more colorful than females, and have more pointed dorsal and anal fins than females. Native fish such as shad, skipjack, or perch are key. They can be made even more attractive by dipping them in a thinned blood bait or other clinging catfish-attracting scent. 4) Flathead Catfish: 72 pounds 14 ounces. He was fishing off the beach at night and caught this big salt water catfish. The Blue Catfish has a deeply forked tail and typically has a bluish-gray body above, fading to white on its sides and belly. 5-8. But what’s crazy is that most anglers completely forget about the rigging and. The pigeon-hunting catfish were 3 to 6 feet long. ”. Simply, these are amongst the very best catfish rods money can buy, (Image credit: Gen 3 Warrior Cat Bumping Rod) 7. m. Best Premium Option: Penn Spinfisher VI 7500 (click to see)And, of course, there’s also a wide range of sizes when it comes to catfish. Channel catfish live in freshwater rivers, lakes, streams and ponds throughout North. Department of. Switch to artificial lures. Anything close to that would be considered a trophy catch. It is one of four species in the genus Ariopsis. Channel catfish are one of four catfish species in the U. Sometimes in the night while my uncle was fishing he accidently stepped on top of that fish and the top fin stuck all the way through his foot. Record Blue Catfish. Hardheads and sail catfish are perhaps two of the most widely populated saltwater catfish along the coastal waters of Florida. There really isn’t any more details about Fernandes’ catch, but he did use a fiberglass Sportex rod to land the redtail catfish. Channel catfish may exceed 40 pounds, although the typical size is less than five pounds. While breaking the record for the largest catfish ever caught is an amazing feat for anglers, the story is a bit sad. Channel, flathead and blue catfish are recognized as excellent eating fish and can be fished in lakes and rivers. Features include rubber gaskets to create a waterproof drag, 4+1 ball bearings, cross carbon drag, and a spool lip design for longer casting while preventing backlash. Hayes caught his record fish on July 9, 1955 while trolling a lure in Dale Hollow Reservoir, Tennessee, USA. On the saltwater side of things, there are two species – though the blue catfish has been reported in the upper portions of some estuaries in low salinities in the western. It belongs to the genius Brachyplayreatstoma ,. Redtail Catfish Care Guide & Species Profile. 010, saltwater as adults (1. These 50 fish are the biggest of their species ever landed on a rod and reel. World Record Line. Put your index over the top of the base of the spine and hold the fish tight enough so that it cannot shake its upper body. The most important step is to get the fish weighed as soon as possible on a certified scale. If you are wondering how big saltwater catfish get, they stay fairly small. Hardhead catfish. Belmont Bay. The largest saltwater catfish is the Hardhead catfish. In 2021 alone, we imported around 256 million pounds of it from other countries. Emerald Catfish. White Catfish usually have a distinctly bicolor (two toned) body, darker on top and white, or nearly white, on the lower sides and belly. Electric Eel, Amazon River – South America. Spool up enough leader to allow a turn or two. They reside in both the Atlantic and more heavily in the Gulf of Mexico. 8-pound catch by Paula D.