The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has certified a new state record Flathead Catfish. 

Michael Wherley, 46, of Fayetteville, Franklin County was fishing with his friend Tommy Clark when they reeled in the Flathead Catfish on Sunday, May 14. 

“When it finally came to the surface, all I could think was that it was humungous!” said Wherley. “When I got the fish next to the boat, I handed the rod to Tommy, and I stuck both hands in the fish’s mouth and pulled as hard as I could to bring it aboard. We knew we had something.”

Wherley's Flathead Catfish was recorded as weighing 66 lbs., 6 oz., exceeding the previous state record of 56lbs. by more than ten pounds. 

Pennsylvania state record fish are judged only by weight, and must exceed the previous record by at least two ounces, according to the PFBC. 

The previous record was held by a Philadelphia angler in the Schuykill River in May 2020. 

Anglers who are pursuing a state record, or think they have caught a state record fish, should adhere to the following guidelines: 

  • Obtain a copy of the Pennsylvania State Record Fish Application, which is available online.
  • Comply with all rules, including having the fish weighed on a scale that is certified by the state or county. Stores that sell products by weight are required to have a certified scale. Locations such as feed mills or agriculture stores often have scales capable of weighing large fish.
  • Fish may only be released after PFBC staff have examined the fish and approved the application.
  • The completed form, including color photographs, must be notarized and sent to the PFBC.
  • The PFBC will review the application upon receipt.
  • The PFBC reserves the right to further investigate the methods used in catching a fish and the accuracy of weight and measurements.
  • The PFBC reserves the right to reject any application.
  • Anglers catching a new state record fish will receive a certificate from the PFBC and be listed on the PFBC website.

A list of current Pennsylvania State Record Fish, official rules and application can be found on the PFBC's website

 

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