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. Four barbels on chin. Mollies are omnivorous and will require a diet of both plant and animal food. /Intracoastal August 1977 *2. What is the biggest catfish ever recorded? The Mekong giant catfish is the official freshwater heavyweight champion of the world. What Are Saltwater Catfish? Are there saltwater catfish? There are a few species of catfish that live in saltwater. Although they start very small when sold at the fish store, these catfish can grow up to a few feet long in the wild. The electric catfish is a family of around 21 species that can discharge an electric shock from a specialized organ. What is world record crappie? The black crappie would weigh an astonishing 5 lbs 7. They spawn once a year from late May into June, mostly in lower-salinity streams and smaller tributaries. Adult Size: 2 inches. Although they start very small when sold at the fish store, these catfish can grow up to a few feet long in the wild. These fish can reach 3-4 feet long and weigh up to 80 pounds. The Saltwater Reel Big Fish program recognizes anglers for extraordinarily-sized catches of the 30 different saltwater species listed below. For blue catfish, try using fresh-cut bait like mullet. Florida’s channel catfish state record weighed 44. The Biggest Saltwater Fish Ever Caught was a 2,664 pound Great White Shark The record was set. The three largest species of catfish are the Mekong giant catfish, the Wels catfish and the Piraiba catfish. They can taste something by simply touching it with their barbels. It's an ancient. Fifty- to 80-pound mono leader is advisable. In one of the first records to fall in 2021, California angler David Burruss boated an absolute slab. The catch was confirmed and certified by the IGFA, which maintains records for both freshwater and. The largest saltwater catfish is the Hardhead catfish. 6 inches for males and 7. 48 lbs. The biggest channel catfish ever caught in Florida weighed 44. Most of the time a small setup like this will get the job done. For breeding purposes, it is recommended to keep a small group of three males and two females. What’s the biggest catfish ever caught in the United States? Cody Mullenix of Howe Texas caught the fish on January 16th,. The typical length is about 25–46 in (64–117 cm). The largest saltwater catfish is the Hardhead catfish. It works well to catch bluegill, sunfish, perch, bass, catfish, and trout. You can expect to catch Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, as well as Sharks. 4-foot-long (2. They have a slender, elongated shape with a forked tail and slighlty flattened head. They need a 1000+ gallon tank – ideally, an indoor pond! They come with stunning colors, long whiskers & rapid growth up to 4ft in length! They eat a ton of food – most conventional fish food will not suffice. Hardheads get their name from the bony plate between their eyes and dorsal fin. The largest fish of the now-extinct class Placodermi was the giant predatory Dunkleosteus. Joshua Jones Sr. We rounded up the best catfish baits to help you land more fish this year. The largest wels catfish by weight recognized by the IGFA was caught in the Po River as well, in 2010, and weighed in at nearly 298 pounds, records show. Some were of such a. These fish are normally 12 to 16 inches long and weigh one to 12 pounds. Joe Cermele SHARE. 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. 5-pound, former world-record blue cat. Weighing in at 37 pounds, 14 ounces, the cat measured 46. The right mix of those creates the best catfish rods. Most redtail catfish, however, do not get this big. Moreover, a 10-20-pound test line will do for any type of structure. 4) Flathead Catfish: 72 pounds 14 ounces. The largest catfish ever caught in the United States was a blue catfish caught in Virginia’s Kerr Lake in 2011. Lots of big fish congregate in small areas, and if you can pinpoint them on a graph or by other means, chances of catching several trophy fish are superb. “It’s the biggest catfish. The muddy rivers of. The state record is three pounds fifteen ounces. 10. Handling that many would be a hurdle. Its body is elongated and cylindrical in shape, with a broad, flattened head that tapers to a narrow, pointed snout. Tipping the scales at nearly 300 kilograms (661 pounds), the leviathan ray surpasses the previous record holder, a 293-kg (646-lb) Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) caught in Thailand in. It comes in two sizes: 6500 and 7000. What Are Saltwater Catfish? Are there saltwater catfish? There are a few species of catfish that live in saltwater. If you’re sick of catching catfish with cut bait, try out these four tips: Use circle hooks. Hardhead catfish. This is not the only catfish family with an electric organ, but its electrical ability is particularly well-developed compared to the others. This doesn’t necessarily mean live bait, but. ©Bignai/Shutterstock. 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 world record holder for the biggest Lau-Lau ever caught went to dear old Jorge Masullo de Aguiar. Fernandes’ redtail catfish was 123 pounds 7 ounces (56 kilograms) and 4. Species. Maximum lifespan for channel catfish is believed to be around 15 years. 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. Channel cats have between 24 and 29 rays, while blue cats have 30 to 36. Best for Treble. But the monster of this group is the Mekong catfish of southeast Asia weighing in at over 600 pounds. 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 oldest known flathead was 45 years old from Three Rivers Pennsylvania. 2-ounce fish was pulled from the Nanticoke River at approximately 1:30 a. White Catfish. This means that catfish can grow much faster in warm waters than in cold waters. They are a popular fish for anglers who want to eat their catch. The largest fish of the now-extinct class Placodermi was the giant predatory Dunkleosteus. Wels Catfish in Italy's Po Delta river. First,. Most are mature by the time they reach 12 inches in length. 22 pounds The largest flathead catfish record in North Carolina goes to a 74 pound 14 ounce flathead caught by Tyler Barnes on the Neuse River. Brown Bullhead: 7 pounds, 6 ounces, caught by Glenn Collacuro at Mahopac Lake in New York in 2009. Pat the clean catfish fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Emerald Catfish. marinus (has two chin barbels and spines with long filaments) Size: Up to 24 inches (12 pounds) The 5 Biggest Saltwater Trophy Fish Ever Caught in South Carolina. The average adult size is ten inches and half a pound. 5-8. From the swivel, attach a 12- to 15-inch piece of leader, ending with a. The coral catfish color changes as the fish grows. Blue Catfish. 5 to 12 centimeters in total length — that’s a little less than an inch to about 4. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries reports the biggest known blue catfish was 143 pounds, “caught in an inland lake on the Virginia–North Carolina border”. The average adult size is ten inches and half a pound. Feeding should occur later in the day as the fish wake up for their. The young juveniles are entirely black. His 21. Fifty- to 80-pound mono leader is advisable. Obviously, this fish is not a good choice for any but the largest home aquariums. “Use fresh-cut gizzard shad, 1- to 4-inch chunks. The Hardhead catfish can grow to 28-30″ in length and about 12 pounds. This unique species of catfish is a South American native. Zambezi river bull shark found in both saltwater and freshwater along coasts and in rivers of southern Brazil,eastern Angola and Zambia. YELLOWFIN TUNA. An Italian angler made the catch of his life this week, hauling in a 280-pound catfish from the Po River (above, the angler can be seen catching a slightly smaller catfish in 2013). Most anglers hate having to take the time to deal. The River Po is famous for producing giant wels catfish. 0–7. 8 kilo - 17. Even without counting, young channel cats tend to have small black spots while young blues are solid silver/gray with no. You can even try strips of saltwater. Courtesy of MADCAT / Instagram. This next species is the largest catfish species in North America. For instance, the Mekong giant catfish, one of the largest freshwater fish species, can live up to 60 years. 020 - 1. ”. Conclusion. It’s best to use a medium-sized hook since it will most likely end up in. andrewsThe Pictus Catfish is one of the most common aquarium catfish species. (Game & Fish Image) Bluefish are abundant and popular sportfish in many areas, particularly along the Northeast coast. Channel catfish are usually caught at 15 to 24 inches long, weighing somewhere between 10 to 15 pounds. 6. What saltwater fish looks like a catfish? The hardhead catfish (Ariopsis felis) is a species of sea catfish from the northwest Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, and similar to the. Dorsal fin deeply notched. Cobia – 90 lbs. One of the most popular saltwater catfish species is the hardhead catfish, which can be found along coastal waters from. Biggest. 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. Cory catfish species vary in size, but none grow very large. 68 oz , making it not only the new Tennessee state. Zebra danios are peaceful and hardy fish that are easy to care for. The largest catfish ever caught is the Mekong catfish. And the use of larger baits helps you avoid catching runts. These poisonous barbs or spikes are designed simply as a self-defense method. Saltwater, freshwater, & ice fishing strategies, seasonal advice, gear, & record catches for bass, catfish, trout, muskie, salmon, walleye, & more. The eggs hatch quickly after a mere 5 to 10 days. 81 lbs: Mark. The Mekong giant catfish is the official freshwater heavyweight champion of the world. 25-inch girth. The rod length when extended in either 5-feet or 6-feet. Hardhead catfish have six rounded barbels that stick out from their chins like whiskers. Penn Slammer III and IV Spinning Reel. Spiderwire Stealth is trusted by fishermen across the world for all kinds of species, and catfishermen will love. The Biggest Saltwater Fish Ever Caught was a 2,664 pound Great White Shark. Italian angler Alessandro Biancardi shocked the catfishing world this week with an absolutely massive Wels catfish he caught from Italy’s River Po. These 50 fish are the biggest of their species ever landed on a rod and reel. Minimum sizes at maturity are 6. By Sascha Pare published 15 June 2023 An angler caught the gigantic wels catfish in the murky waters of the River Po, in Italy, where the previous world record for. Easily the largest freshwater fish in North America, the white sturgeon can grow to 12 to 20 feet in length and can weigh nearly one ton. answers. Katrina Reef: Sitting just a couple of miles from Biloxi, Katrina Reef is one of the most popular nearshore fishing spots in Mississippi. Most authorities now give the crown of the largest catfish to the Mekong giant catfish, Pangasianodon gigas, which is also considered the heaviest completely freshwater fish. Regional Names: Channel Cat, Hump-back Blue. This yardstick-length channel cat was caught on Game Club Pond by Colby Kerttula. Both are abundant in the waters of the Gulf area and commonly encountered when fishing for other species. The Myth: Scuba divers working around big dams have seen enormous catfish hiding in rocky lairs beneath the surface. In Asia, the Mekong River is known for its giant freshwater catfish – one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. Is a. This reel from Abu Garcia is one of the best baitcasting reels for catfish in terms of sheer power. Channel, flathead and blue catfish are recognized as excellent eating fish and can be fished in lakes and rivers. Summary. Finding (and catching) the bait. 1. 30. Catfish (or catfishes; order Siluriformes / s ɪ ˈ lj ʊər ɪ f ɔːr m iː z / or Nematognathi) are a diverse group of ray-finned fish. Tags: Catfish. Catfish have numerous external taste buds, many of which are located on the barbels. Yellowfin tuna are one of the premier big-game fish of the North Carolina coastline. The skin of this catfish has no scales. The largest blue catfish ever caught in California weighed 113 lbs. Ever. Yes, the saltwater hardhead catfish is edible. 75 Lbs Per Foot – When bait is in shallower water is more than sufficient, you just have to deal with catching all of the smaller “button” shad. 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. Cory Catfish Size. Every good inshore angler knows there are just THREE basic things behind consistently catching solid inshore saltwater fish with live bait. Length: 7’ Construction: Graphite and fiberglass Power: Medium heavy Guides: One-piece stainless Reel. 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. Here are the IGFA’s records for the three most common U. 02/15/2008. The blue catfish reaches anywhere from 30-60 inches, depending on age, while the channel catfish grows 12-24 inches on average. Simply dip the fish in the milk to get it wet, and then shake off any excess. Flatheads and blue catfish hog the spotlight. Fry the fish in a hot cast iron skillet or Dutch oven with oil and butter until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Blue Catfish can be differentiated from Channel Catfish by the straight edge on the anal fin (long. The largest wels catfish by weight recognized by the IGFA was caught in the Po River as well, in 2010, and weighed in at nearly 298 pounds, records show. There are a couple of catfish on our list, starting with a trophy-sized flathead. These massive creatures can weigh over 600 pounds and are critically endangered due to overfishing. As the sun rises, it gradually warms up the water, which stimulates catfish to leave their nocturnal resting spots and search for food, making it arguably the best time to catch blue catfish, flathead catfish, channel. The meat of old catfish also tends to get old and mushy, providing a different and more gamey flavor when cooked. 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. The hardhead catfish ( Ariopsis felis) is a species of sea catfish from the northwest Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, and similar to the gafftopsail catfish ( Bagre marinus ). The angler was using a Jackson rod and an Abu Garcia 6500 GR spooled with 16-pound Varivas line. The underparts have a pinkish suffusion, which is most evident in males. Fishing. Setting up a tank to match its natural. Best Braided. Broad Hotspots 30 fish, 20-30 minute respawn Common Fish 45% chance; Uncommon Fish 40% chance;. By Jason Bittel. Fishing is generally in 5-50 ft of water. The 300-plus pounder was caught in a commercial fisherman’s net. State record: 10. 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 sportfishing world record is a specimen from. Most catfish species live in major river systems of the world, in both freshwater and saltwater, but some types of catfish prefer the still water of small lakes and. Diet: Omnivore. There are many species of catfish in freshwater locations all over the world. 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. It is one of four species in the genus Ariopsis. David Burruss with the California state record crappie. However, most blue catfish are not sexually mature until they reach about 24 inches in length. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly on both sides. Description. Dino Ferrari’s 8. The Florida flathead catfish is a frequent target for anglers in the Sunshine State. Secure a 2- to 4-ounce bell sinker to one ring of a barrel swivel or the bottom ring of a three-way swivel with 6-pound-test line. basscatcher Senior Member. 5 cm (1 inch). What is the biggest Wels catfish? The official all-tackle world record for a wels. 10-16-2022. The most common saltwater catfish species are the hardhead catfish (Ariopsis felis) and the gafftopsail catfish (Bagre marinus). Everyone has their own personal opinion, but the best eating tends to be 3-5lbs. Alessandro Biancardi says he caught the biggest catfish he'd ever seen in his 23 years as a professional fisherman. 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. Best Snelled Hook: Gamakatsu Catfish Rig. W. Fish are classified as either freshwater or saltwater based on their habitat, and this is the key difference between saltwater and freshwater fish. Weight: 341 Pounds. There are 2 main types of catfish in saltwater. Saltwater - shoreline tackle is similiar for size of fish as freshwater but the moment you're out on a boat fish size goes up dramatically and 30-40lb gear is not uncommon and depths of water. According to the records, this is the largest fish of any species ever taken in New Jersey. 32 ozs. What separates this enormous achievement from other world records is about. Advertisement. 5 tonnes). Catfish, gafftopsail: Bagre marinus: 8 lb 14 oz: Titusville: Sept. Ideal for anglers targeting catfish under 100 pounds who want a reasonably priced durable spinning reel. When it comes to identifying a hardhead, they are easy to distinguish from a gafftopsail catfish. 86 kilograms (143 pounds,. What separates this enormous achievement from other world records is about 900 pounds of fish. When collapsed the rod length is 19-inches for the 5-foot and 22. But what’s crazy is that most anglers completely forget about the rigging and. Wels Catfish ( Silurus glanis) — Up to 15 Feet. Striped bass is our most sought-after species, providing great sport through catch and release fishing and great eating when you catch a “keeper”. Ralph Smith. 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). These fish do not run in the same crowd as. Record Blue Catfish. , with up to 10 lbs. Take Our A-Z-Animals Fish Quiz. Jones: Catfish, hardhead:. The upper half of the sides and top range between gray and black depending on the habitat. This is a summary of basic catfish species information for the blue. Berdell Todd caught this record breaker back in 1970, making this a 52-year-old record and counting. With their huge mouths and low-set eyes, these large shark catfish trawl the waters of the mighty Mekong, feeding on huge quantities of plant matter. Reeling in large amounts of line and pulling in larger catfish requires a faster retrieve ratio. 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. Top Contenders. But fish approaching or exceeding 100 pounds are caught. Their ideal tank conditions include a minimum tank size of 20 gallons and warm water with a pH between 7. In this article, we will rank 10 of these incredible creatures by size. The blue catfish is a ray-finned fish, a species of catfish, and the largest species of all North American catfish. Switch to artificial lures. They are considered good-tasting fish and can be found in most coastal states. 3. Flathead Catfish A big Saginaw River cat. The largest flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) was 123 pounds. Dennis Muhlenforth caught a 63-pound, 8-ounce golden tilefish in Lindenkohl Canyon in 2009, holding the title as the state’s largest catch for that species. It belongs to the genius Brachyplayreatstoma ,. So it is no surprise that David Hayes' celebrated 5. Bumblebee Catfish. They range from 2. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Structural Adaptation. Saltwater Catfish. 1. February 28, 2022 Robert. First, you want to start by threading your line through a 1/4- to 1/2-ounce barrel weight. There are two species of catfish commonly caught in coastal waters of Texas: the gafftop and sea catfish, more commonly known as hardhead. This video shows how to catch catfish, how to clean catfish and how to cook catfish…Specifically hardhead catfish which are a saltwater catfish. What’s the biggest saltwater catfish? In contrast, the largest saltwater catfish (all of which frequent estuaries and areas near river mouths in tropical regions) reaches about 6½ feet long and 110 pounds in the case of the gillbacker sea catfish (Sciades parkeri) , which is encountered in and around the estuarine mouth of the Amazon River. August 31, 2020 By Game & Fish Staff. 3. For your own safety, head to shore right away. 2 pounds. He was fishing off the beach at night and caught this big salt water catfish. Eel Tail Catfish. These impressive fish can exceed 80 pounds, making them majestic creatures. Origin: South America. Sailcats. 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. Blue catfish, channel catfish, and flathead catfish are the three primary species of catfish in the United States. To keep the checks coming, he needs to keep the YouTube machine fed, and in winter, with big-fish opportunities scarce in the Philly area, a four-hour, one-way jaunt to D. Common Names: Spotted-catfish,speckled catfish, silver catfish, fork-tailed catfish. In. Saltwater catfish are known for having a larger amount of slime than their freshwater counterparts. Blue catfish commonly attain weights of 20 to 40 pounds, and may reach weights well in excess of 100 pounds. Specific Gravity : 1. The auchenipterid cats all exhibit a scaleless (or “naked”) body and three pairs. 46 lbs: Robert P. This is the saltwater “Hardhead” catfish. Catfish View all. It was one of 20 big gafftops we caught on that hot summer day. com. We specialize in importing and breeding rare and exotic fish from around the world. S. Next wash with soap, then soak for about 30 min in warm water. They spawn once a year from late May into June, mostly in lower-salinity streams and smaller tributaries. 0 lb) and 69 cm (27 in) in length. 5 inches long and a 30-inch girth. [1] It inhabits estuaries and occasionally freshwater bodies, in Japan. Sturgeon are the largest of the freshwater fish. 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. 62 feet (1. [3] Advertisement. Texas anglers seeking saltwater thrills have it better than ever. One increases your chances of scoring a big fish, while the other improves your odds of snagging a rare fish. They are silver with brown to olive green undertones and a yellow to white belly. In. The candiru feeds on blood and is commonly found in the gill cavities of other fishes. Weighing in at 37 pounds, 14 ounces, the cat measured 46. Best for Bank Fishing: B’n’M. Mackerel is a saltwater fish belonging to the same family as. Internally, the channel catfish has two chambers in the swim bladder and the blue catfish has three. Salt Catfish. The average channel catfish weighs 15-40 pounds, while blue catfish weigh 40-150 pounds, though anything over 100 pounds is impressive! The overall length of these two fish differs as well. 8 feet long and weighed more than 265 pounds. Like channel catfish, the blue catfish pursues a varied diet, but it tends to eat fish earlier in life. The sportfishing world record for the largest channel catfish ever recorded is a specimen from South Carolina that weighed 58 pounds. 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. on October 8 by James Lord. The stingray was snagged by a local fisherman south. occurring in some waters. A spotted silver fish that roams the coastline and neighboring estuaries of Mississippi, the speckled trout is a delicious game fish that primarily feeds on shrimp and other small fish. Although catfish love this type of bait, you have to handle it carefully. 4 ounces Why Buy The Shimano Stella SW? This is Shimano’s “Top Dog” – The best of the best spinning reel from the world’s best fishing reel manufacturer. The dorsal and pectoral fins each are supported by a sharp, slime-covered barbed spine. His patience paid off on Oct. 3-5lbs. The biggest steelhead trout caught in Oregon was a 35 pound 8 ounce trout caught on the Columbia River (probably a summer-runner). Start by sliding an egg sinker or sinker slide up your main line, then connect a barrel swivel to the end of the line. 00: 68. Wash the fish meat under the water. 5 – 34. But many species may yet be saved. Ken Paulie with the world-record flathead caught in 1998. Davis proudly stands beside his 69-pound flathead. Ken Paulie with the world-record flathead caught in 1998. 5-8. A big ball of juicy nightcrawlers, for example, is one great choice. 3. Channel catfish may exceed 40 pounds, although the typical size is less than five pounds. If needed, it’s recommended to take a few Tylenol or Advil. The hardest fighting fishing pound-for-pound are billfish, tuna, grouper, mahi mahi, and tarpon in saltwater, striped bass, steelhead, and salmon in intercoastal waters, and carp and northern pike in freshwater. Electric Eel, Amazon River – South America. Meanwhile, we commercially produced another 307 million pounds here at home. There are two Freshwater and two Saltwater bait. 46 inches with a chunky 39-inch girth. 2. Piraiba regularly grow to 7 feet in length and. It weighed 143 pounds and measured 57 inches long. When removing the hook, look closely at the mouth. Spiderwire Stealth Braid Fishing Line. Sciaenops ocellatus. amberjack, greater: amberjack: brian s. The common pleco is the "suckerfish" often seen stuck to the aquarium glass. October 04, 2010. 5 pounds and was caught by angler Joe Purvis in Lake Bluff, Lake County, on May 19, 1985. Scale the baitfish and cut them into chunks, experimenting with different sizes. Mekong catfish are severely threatened by habitat degradation and dam construction along the Mekong River. Temperature: 74-80°F. 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. These enormous fish are the largest purely freshwater fish in the world (Sturgeon are larger, but they inhabit both fresh and saltwater). The Rundown. pH: 7. FLATHEAD AUSTRALIAN (Platycephalus fuscus) Greg Finney landed a giant flathead at Mallacoota in Victoria (Australia). The largest type of catfish in the world is the Wels catfish, which can grow up to 15 feet long! ©Rostislav Stefanek/Shutterstock. 0:32. How big is the biggest freshwater fish ever caught? Nearly nine feet long (2.