BLUE CATFISH

Blue Catfish are the giants of North America’s catfish world — and they mean business. These fish are native to the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio river basins, but have been introduced into other waters due to their popularity as a sport fish. They can live over 20 years and grow to absolutely ridiculous sizes.

Unlike their Channel Cat cousins, Blue Cats are more predatory and prefer live or freshly cut bait. They're built like torpedoes and will give you a brutal fight, especially in strong river currents. Their bluish-gray bodies and straight-edged anal fins help distinguish them from Channels and Flatheads. If you're after a trophy fish that can peel drag like a freight train, this is your cat.

Record Size: 143lbs

Where to Find Them: Deep channels, dams, river bends, drop-offs in large lakes and rivers

Southern Fried Catfish Recipe 

1. Blue Catfish are the largest freshwater catfish in North America.
   
   

2. They’re apex predators — even eating other catfish.
   
   

3. Anglers use sonar to track down true river monsters — 100+ lb fish are rare, but real.