Four barbels on chin. The Biggest Saltwater Fish Ever Caught was a 2,664 pound Great White Shark. Best for Bank Fishing: B’n’M. He was fishing off the beach at night and caught this big salt water catfish. Angler Brad Gibson with a 7. 0. 020 - 1. Table of Contents show. A really big catfish: In 2015, an Italian fisherman caught a 280-lb. 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. 10-16-2022. 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). The Columbian Shark has a high fin and long "whiskers" that gives it a classic catfish appearance. 5 inches (0. Bagarius yarrelli, also known as the giant devil catfish, is found in large, swift rivers in India. Angler: Edward Davis. Feeding should occur later in the day as the fish wake up for their. Channel catfish are not native to the Bay watershed. [26] Blue catfish are highly productive and create high numbers of offspring each reproductive cycle. 408 meters) long. orgBlue Catfish are brown/ gray to slate-blue, with a deeply forked tail. Normally, anglers that choose to use a circle hook go for a 5/0 or 6/0 hook size. They fight hard, and the smaller ones, that fall within the slot, are great eating. 4. 3. 46 lbs: Robert P. Freshwater- rarely exceeds 20lb line test unless going for lunker catfish, sturgeon or landlocked salmon. com. The biggest channel catfish was roughly the length of a goat. It comes in two sizes: 6500 and 7000. Conclusion. Back in the day, Fernandina Beach was famous for its Goliath Grouper fishery. It’s called a hardhead because of a hard. Gafftopsail catfish tend to have a preference for saltwater but are known to be in brackish waters, too. Huston/Shutterstock. 86 kilograms (143 pounds,. There’s a whole lot more swimming around down there than bass, trout, walleye, and catfish. White catfish have 19-23 rays, channel catfish have 24-30, and blue catfish have the longest anal fin with 30-36 rays. 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. The world record for blue catfish, recorded by the IGFA, weighs 143 pounds, with the longest one measuring over four feet in length. 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. In home aquariums, they are used to clean the bottom of the aquarium and control algae and detritus build-up. Eel Tail Catfish. 25 inches: 8/26/2020. Stephen Klobucar Sep 17, 2019. For big flatheads, use live bream fished on the bottom as well. S. Yellowfin tuna are one of the premier big-game fish of the North Carolina coastline. Now onto some of the biggest saltwater fish. The largest flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) was 123 pounds. 5 pounds and was caught by angler Joe Purvis in Lake Bluff, Lake County, on May 19, 1985. For breeding purposes, it is recommended to keep a small group of three males and two females. 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. The gulper cat Asterophysus batrachus Kner, 1858 is a member of the family Auchenipteridae (driftwood or auchenipterid catfishes), which occur in rivers from southern Central America to extreme southern South America (specifically Argentina). Migrates in fall from fresh to saltwater to spawn. Nightcrawlers and stink baits fished on the bottom will help you attract channel catfish. That said, blues in the 4 to 10 pound-class are far more typical. species local name angler hometown date weight; alfonsino: same: eric b. Tim Shugrue is vice president of Congressional Seafood in Jessup, MD, which is the largest processor of blue catfish around the Bay. It tastes good when properly cooked, but this practically boils down to taste preference. It is known for. Molly fish are small, peaceful fish that grow to around 3-4 inches and adapt well to a variety of water conditions. The green spotted puffer is an amazing brackish water aquarium fish for more experienced fish keepers. Cut bait is a great way to catch big fish and if you rig the cut bait right, you’ll increase your chances even more. 7 meter long and weighed 100 lb / 45 kg. King Mackerel – 54 lbs. Corydoras Panda Regular price $12. 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”. Channel catfish are one of four catfish species in the U. The best way to treat a Saltwater Catfish sting is to first remove all of the spines from the affected area. Circle hooks are arguably the best hook for beginners to use and are common as saltwater fishing hooks as well. Also known as the Black Fin Shark, the Columbian Shark is a catfish which will grow quite large in an aquarium. Salt Catfish. Wels Catfish in Italy's Po Delta river. Flathead catfish are the second largest North American catfish species behind the blue catfish. Best for Channel Catfish: Triple S Channel Cat Bait. answers. How big is the biggest freshwater fish ever caught? Nearly nine feet long (2. This will give them enough room to swim around and be active without feeling cramped and unhappy. The body of the hardhead catfish is covered in small, overlapping scales,. Catching these saltwater cats is usually disliked but this one fought as go. ”. Jeremy Fortner. The pressure from the hose sprayer gets all of the blood out of the fish. The most common saltwater catfish species are the hardhead catfish (Ariopsis felis) and the gafftopsail catfish (Bagre marinus). The whiskers are harmless. 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,. For blue catfish, try using fresh-cut bait like mullet. The three largest species of catfish are the Mekong giant catfish, the Wels catfish and the Piraiba catfish. A big, heavy gauge circle hook— perhaps up to 14/0, if you can find one—will secure the bulky bait. 10. A close look reveals the sharp spines that support the dorsal, or back, fin and the pectoral fins on the fish's sides. Lots of folks like catching them, but novices may not realize these sleek, powerful marine fish pack a dangerous set of dentures. Mekong Giant Catfish. 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. Weight: 341 Pounds. When most people think of trophy-sized catfish, they usually think of flatheads. This means that catfish can grow much faster in warm waters than in cold waters. 3-pound white catfish absolutely shattered the previous Connecticut state record white cat, which was a mere 12. Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Reddit. Cobbler eel-tail catfish look like a catfish in front and an eel behind. 20. 2 lb flathead, cought on Lake Conjola. Most yellowfin tuna weigh 20 to 40 pounds. The zebra danio is another great cold-water fish that is really underrated in the aquarium hobby. Penn Slammer III and IV Spinning Reel. 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. A professional fisherman in Italy reeled in a massive catfish measuring more than nine feet long last month—and may have set a new world record in the process. If you are wondering how big. 5 feet long! ©M. Bull Shark – 477 Pounds 12 Ounces. The following list of state saltwater fishing records is according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. Summary: An olive greenish, greyish to brown eel-tailed catfish often with pale yellowish mottling on the rear of the body, and a whitish underside. Unique Traits: Cleaner shrimp behavior. According to the Guinness Book of Records, a nine-foot-long individual caught in northern Thailand in 2005 weighted an astounding 646 pounds, making it the largest exclusively freshwater fish ever recorded. 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 ). Bottom feeder fish can be found in natural freshwater settings and in saltwater natural settings. 005 - 1. If you've ever been stuck by a saltwater catfish, then you know how awful that feeling is! That's why fishermen have devised all kinds of ways to dealing with them, from using lead-core billy clubs to keep catfish from jumping around when being handled, to a special gripping technique that avoids the barbs, to using a catfish flipper. Regional Names: Channel Cat, Hump-back Blue. Gives a large boost to catching better fish and a medium boost to bigger in salt water, but only at night. 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. 5. Three prominent, sharp spines (one at beginning of dorsal fin and one on each pectoral fin) Spines do not have fleshy filaments. When washing with the hose sprayer you will notice foam in the water. In 2019, a new state record for flathead catfish was set when Marvin Griffen caught one that weighed a whopping 69. Identification: Deeply forked tail. They can taste something by simply touching it with their barbels. Zebra danios are peaceful and hardy fish that are easy to care for. The big boys will turn their nose up at frozen bait,” he says. ** Because of Federal regulations, these species can no longer be legally retained and must be released alive, the record listed will remain. 68 oz , making it not only the new Tennessee state. 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. Redtail Catfish This catfish gets way to big for the majority of home aquariums. They tend to congregate in deeper pools near faster current, but never in small streams. Best Overall: Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp L141 Kahle. If you are wondering how big saltwater catfish get, they stay fairly small. The catfish’s main bone is in the upper part of its body, and the smaller bones are joined on both sides. usgs. Spool up enough leader to allow a turn or two. The largest and most well known species was D. If a creature attacks a saltwater catfish, it will raise its spines and try to sting its attacker. You’ll want to keep a close eye on the area where you were stung. The sportfishing world record is a specimen from. Picture. Next wash with soap, then soak for about 30 min in warm water. 0–7. The anal fin is the most prominent feature of a Blue Catfish and has a straight outer edge (sometimes referred to as a “barber’s razor”) with 30–36 fin rays. Emerald Catfish. Cory catfish species vary in size, but none grow very large. Gafftops have extra-long dorsal fins that look. Species. 4 short tons) [25] in weight. Flathead Catfish A big Saginaw River cat. Some species, like the tiger shovelnose catfish,. 21, 1996: Larry C. Okay, they’re classic everything bait. Normally, anglers that choose to use a circle hook go for a 5/0 or 6/0 hook size. Catfish, gafftopsail: Bagre marinus: 8 lb 14 oz: Titusville: Sept. Channel catfish live in freshwater rivers, lakes, streams and ponds throughout North. Named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers, catfish range in. com. What Are Saltwater Catfish? Are there saltwater catfish? There are a few species of catfish that live in saltwater. 0 oz. 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. The Omaha resident has dialed in a few rivers and streams in Nebraska, where he’ll fish through the night in the hopes of hooking a giant. Davis proudly stands beside his 69-pound flathead. Bluefish. Keith “Catfish” Sutton’s latest book, Hardcore Catfishing, was released in April last year. Giant sunfish sets new record for world’s largest bony fish. In a separate dish, make a marinade by mixing a dash of hot sauce and 1 cup of low-fat buttermilk. Difficulty to breed: Advanced. What separates this enormous achievement from other world records is about 900 pounds of fish. 85 meters) catfish from the shallow waters of the River Po in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Additionally, small fish species have long been used in freshwater aquariums and saltwater aquariums. This is probably the largest gafftopsail catfish I have ever caught or even seen. 62 feet (1. The hardhead catfish is a small to medium-sized fish that typically measures between 12 and 20 inches in length and weighs between 1 and 3 pounds. ”. 7 Largest Catfish Ever Caught. One of the largest catfish species found in North America, channel cats and can weigh more than 50 pounds. Named because of its big mouth. 3-pound white catfish absolutely shattered the previous Connecticut state record white cat, which was a mere 12. 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. Find out where freshwater and saltwater catfish live, know the best bait for catching catfish depending on the species, and learn helpful fishing tips to help will help you reel them in. The world record holder for the biggest Lau-Lau ever caught went to dear old Jorge Masullo de Aguiar. Cobia. Having said that, whale sharks rarely grow more than 39 feet in length. Piraiba regularly grow to 7 feet in length and. 99 USD Unit price. This doesn’t necessarily mean live bait, but. The previous record for a freshwater fish was a 646-pound Mekong giant catfish, discovered in Thailand in 2005, the group said. Gafftopsail Catfish. 5ft /1. Prefilled with quality. Though not as popular or respected as their freshwater counterparts, there are two species of catfish commonly caught in coastal waters of Texas: the gafftop, Bagre marinus, and sea catfish, more commonly known as hardhead, Arius felis. 408 m) Location: Amazon River, Brazil Year Caught: April 3,. 6 inches for males and 7. White Sturgeon. Weight: 69 pounds. 99 USD Regular price Sale price $12. The 300-plus pounder was caught in a commercial fisherman’s net. 44 Shane Shepherd The Pen. Mississippi Angler Smashes State Record With 131-Pound Blue Catfish. 9) The 280-Pounder. 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. Adult Size & Lifespan. pH: 7. Sailcats. Species: Flathead catfish. The skin of this catfish has no scales. 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. Catfish do indeed have bones. 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. 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. The saltwater hardhead catfish is a member of the Ictaluridae family, including the blue catfish and channel catfish. Neither the blue nor channel cat are lookers, the flathead, though, makes you look twice. They don’t guarantee you won’t catch cats, but it will. Lemon wedges for garnish. Hardheads get their name from the bony plate between their eyes and dorsal fin. 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. This huge tank size is obviously quite a lot compared to most freshwater home aquariums. Origin: South America. MADCAT. I understand that both of those species grow much bigger than the lowly channel catfish, making for better Instagram fodder and sorer arms. Channel catfish, black crappie, walleye and striped bass are all popular catches. Catfish: Freshwater: Everfall, Brightwood, Cutlass Keys, Great Cleave, Reekwater, Shattered Mountain:Saltwater catfish is poisonous due to the fact that it has very sharp spines on its back that secrete poison or venom. “It was almost like pulling in a 30-inch striper,” Tomkunas. The only true saltwater catfish species found in the aquarium hobby is the striped eel catfish also known as the coral catfish. The muddy rivers of. The biggest steelhead trout caught in Oregon was a 35 pound 8 ounce trout caught on the Columbia River (probably a summer-runner). Striped Bass. Blue Catfish can be differentiated from Channel Catfish by the straight edge on the anal fin (long. The Coral Catfish is seen in the wild scavenging in the sand, so the fish tank must have a sandy. Tennessee will have a new state fishing record after an absolute giant of a catfish was hauled from the Cumberland River over the weekend. Average size is about 2. Catches must follow program rules and fishing regulations. Reeling in large amounts of line and pulling in larger catfish requires a faster retrieve ratio. The main predators of catfish are reptiles, large fish, mammals, and humans. It sports three spines, one on the dorsal fin and one each on the pectoral fins. 6 ounces and was caught in the Cooper River by Paul Daniels of Hanahan. The largest lake trout in Connecticut weighed almost 30 pounds! The upper half of the body is a silvery bluish-green or brown color, while the underside is mostly white. 2- The Yellow River. What separates this enormous achievement from other world records is about. RELATED How many species of Catfish are there? There are 40 types of catfish families in the world (30 in the U. What is world record crappie? The black crappie would weigh an astonishing 5 lbs 7. 3. C. They are a popular fish for anglers who want to eat their catch. The electric catfish is a family of around 21 species that can discharge an electric shock from a specialized organ. While breaking the record for the largest catfish ever caught is an amazing feat for anglers, the story is a bit sad. The dorsal and pectoral fins each are supported by a sharp, slime-covered barbed spine. Josh Jorgensen, the presenter of YouTube’s largest saltwater fishing show, hosted three absolutely massive men off the coast of Florida to catch the. H. or fish that migrate between fresh and saltwater like the huge. What separates this enormous achievement from other world. 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. You're looking at a tank. Belmont Bay. White Catfish. Clair counties. The most common saltwater catfish species are the hardhead catfish ( Ariopsis felis) and the gafftopsail catfish ( Bagre marinus) though they are not found in the aquarium hobby. Ken Paulie caught the biggest Flathead Catfish back in 1998, and he still holds the world record, though some question its legitimacy. 7. The king mackerel can weigh between 11 and 30 pounds. Stink Bait, the Smelly Catfish Bait. Stink bait is just one of the man-made lures used to catch catfish. The rod. 2. Terry Knight. The largest channel catfish ever caught in South Carolina weighed 58 pounds and measured 47. They have three sharp, serrated spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins that are coated with a. Best Rod and Reel Combo: Abu Garcia Commando Casting Combo. 4) Flathead Catfish: 72 pounds 14 ounces. It belongs to the genius Brachyplayreatstoma ,. By Ken Perrotte | Published Aug 21, 2022 9:00 AM EDT. Lake Greenwood is on Fire: Catfishing on Lake Greenwood with Captain Chris Simpson When I went fishing with Captain Chris Simpson for trophy blue catfish on Lake Monticello, we anchored down and waited. Best Circle Hook: Team. The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. Electric Eel, Amazon River – South America. Green iridescence is particularly prominent in this species, covering the head as well as much of the body. Many of the most significant sea fish records are over 1,000 pounds (1/2 of a ton,) but Alfred. It typically has an olive-colored body with yellowish-white belly. February 28, 2022 Robert. School size: 5+. Berdell Todd caught this record breaker back in 1970, making this a 52-year-old record and counting. This flathead was 61 inches long with a 43-inch girth. Of all the commonly known catfish species, the flathead surely takes the prize of Top Ugly. In 2021 alone, we imported around 256 million pounds of it from other countries. Lavon Nowling just reeled in the biggest catfish ever recorded in the state of Florida. The diverse ecosystem of the Coosa River features mussels, crawfish, fish, birds, and snails, offering a rich feeding environment for fish of all species. An Italian angler may have broken the world record for the largest catfish ever caught after reeling in a massive nine-foot catfish. Wels catfish is the largest true freshwater fish and can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 300 pounds. Although largemouth bass typically grow to a maximum length of about 30 inches and weigh between 1 and 20 pounds, their average length is between 13 and 20 inches. Twist The Hook Out. Apr 1, 2012 #7 B. It must have been a lucky catfish month because earlier that month, on July 5 th , the blue catfish record was broken by Joey Baird when he caught a 121 pound 9. Redtail Catfish Care Guide & Species Profile. The largest type of catfish in the world is the Wels catfish, which can grow up to 15 feet long! ©Rostislav Stefanek/Shutterstock. 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. Many of Florida’s best catfish holes are in the northern and central parts of the state, but Lake Okeechobee is a standout lake in South Florida. 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. Also called: spotted sea trout or colloquially “spots. 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. (35 inches) – Caught in Ashfield Lake, Ashfield by Dana Dodge in 1989 Crappie: 4 lbs, 10 oz. The giant devil catfish, or goonch. Upper jaw is longer than, and overlaps the. August 31, 2020 By Game & Fish Staff. Cobia, with an average length of three to four feet, have a torpedo-shaped body. Like channel catfish, the blue catfish pursues a varied diet, but it tends to eat fish earlier in life. SEE IT. 5. Cory Catfish Size. 8. 81 lbs: Mark. Mackerel is a saltwater fish belonging to the same family as. 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. If you’re sick of catching catfish with cut bait, try out these four tips: Use circle hooks. A sting can cause nausea and leave you feeling lightheaded. Fisherman reels in massive catfish that could break a world record. 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. A traditional circle hook is an excellent choice for use with channel catfish and blue catfish. m. These barbels help the catfish find crabs, fish and shrimp in the muddy bays where they live. It’s the largest artificial reef in the area and home to a range of exciting fish species. Haney of Liberty. Its filter feeding relative, Titanichthys, may have rivaled it in size. On this adventures Trapper Terry reels in a RECORD SALTWATER SAIL CATFISH! Teaming up with Lifeguard Lou they have a crazy day filled with excitement! Trappe. In contrast, the largest saltwater catfish (all of which frequent estuaries and areas near river mouths in tropical regions) reaches about 6½ feet. Dino e Dario. Another tiny catfish, bumblebees, grow up to 3. 10- to 20-pound test line is preferable when you will be fishing around a structure of any. There are 37 catfish families, with species found in both freshwater and saltwater. One increases your chances of scoring a big fish, while the other improves your odds of snagging a rare fish. Everyone has their own personal opinion, but the best eating tends to be 3-5lbs. May 25 was just another normal day. Fish are classified as either freshwater or saltwater based on their habitat, and this is the key difference between saltwater and freshwater fish. They reside in both the Atlantic and more heavily in the Gulf of Mexico. A couple hours later, he landed his. Hardheads and sail catfish are perhaps two of the most widely populated saltwater catfish along the coastal waters of Florida. 0 Lbs Per Foot – This is the minimum I throw. The Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) is one of the largest fish in the world, knowingly growing to at least 9 feet and over 600 pounds. The average adult size is ten inches and half a pound. For catfish, in particular, using a bigger hook and a big piece of bait will help you catch fewer cats. Keith “Catfish” Sutton’s latest book, Hardcore Catfishing, was released in April last year. Tags: Catfish. The largest type of catfish in the world is the Wels catfish, which can grow up to 15 feet long! ©Rostislav Stefanek/Shutterstock. Salt and pepper to taste. 025) Lifespan : 10 - 15 years or longer. 2. 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. Upper jaw extends well beyond the eye. Description. 31 Harold W. 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. They can be made even more attractive by dipping them in a thinned blood bait or other clinging catfish-attracting scent. Field & Stream Online Editors. Length: 7’ Construction: Graphite and fiberglass Power: Medium heavy Guides: One-piece stainless Reel. Place the fillets in the sink and wash them thoroughly with fresh water using your hose sprayer on your sink. Ralph Smith. Catfish have numerous external taste buds, many of which are located on the barbels. It measured 8. Channel, flathead and blue catfish are recognized as excellent eating fish and can be fished in lakes and rivers. Usually the cut off for eating catfish for me is 8lbs. Aquarium Fish Depot has one of the largest selections of saltwater and freshwater aquarium fish including amazing array of aquatic pets of all kinds. Dorsal fin deeply notched. Catfish are probably the most well known of all the bottom feeder fish. Start by sliding an egg sinker or sinker slide up your main line, then connect a barrel swivel to the end of the line. You can expect to catch Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, as well as Sharks. They are considered good-tasting fish and can be found in most coastal states. Here are the IGFA’s records for the three most common U. 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.