invasive catfish

Hooking a catfish can be one of the best freshwater experiences you'll ever have so, when I saw this story about putting catfish on par with sharks I was intrigued.

I was taken in because catfish can be pretty mean and can grow to unbelievable sizes.

I'm not sure where these guys are but, it looks like they have their hands full with this cat!

This report is an example of what happens when an invasive species is introduced and a waterway, in this case the James River in Virginia, and how they can eliminate many of the native species.

One incredible fact brought to light in the study is the fact that as recently in the 90's scientists would get around 1,500 catfish an hour but that number has increased to nearly 6,000!

The report in the link above says a lot in a few words!

Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!

image from photobucket.com

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Posted By: James Rickard - Category: creatures, freshwater fish, examples

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Comments

10 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by katyzzz

July 26th 2009 01:05

Photography Tips
MS Paint Art

WOW, that's big, I always knew catfish were dangerous but I did not know they could get big, too, I'll have to watch out next time I put my toe in the water. Think I'll have to do my fishin' online

Comment by James Rickard

July 26th 2009 01:34

unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...

I'll be honest--I may have a fishing blog but, if I hooked up with something like in the picture, you'd have to clean me!

Comment by Natalina

July 26th 2009 02:17

My Life My Muse
Beta Girl Blog

What?!?! That is a giant catfish! I've seen some big cat fish around here. In fact, we're celebrating Catfish Days in August. It's a lot of fun here on the Red River of the North. But I have NEVER seen one that big!

Although, I have heard stories about when the Garrison Dam was being build on Lake Sakakawea here in ND, the divers assisting with the build claim to have encountered cat fish that were larger than a full grown man.

Comment by James Rickard

July 26th 2009 04:19

unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...

You hear stories like that about a lot of dams. It's possible though. Algae grows on the concrete walls, little fish eat the algae and they're eaten by bigger fish and and then catfish are the top dog so they eat most anything else in there. And then the water is often deep around the dams so who knows what is really down there.

Comment by Nevar

July 26th 2009 18:55

Is Why

The Bark: It's all true, but the fish most folks are seeing are the ones I threw back to get more size on them.

Haaaaaawwkkkack . . . spitoouie . . . skritchin an itch.

When you need a tow truck and winch for a rod and reel, and a rotten side of beef for bait, well dang . . . then yer fishing.

The Truth: I can't even stand the catfish in an aquarium . . . bleah. quake n quiver . . .

Comment by Kristin Wolgemuth

July 26th 2009 19:53

Poetry Lighthouse
Time to Get Up Club

EW! That catfish is disgusting! I caught one once, and my uncle wouldn't let me near it. He took it off the hook and threw it back into the river. It was only about 8 inches long, not 80! Yikes!

Comment by James Rickard

July 26th 2009 23:41

unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
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I know where you're coming from Nevar. Can you believe people EAT those things????? I see them at the supermarket already cleaned and all but, I remember seeing them scour the bottom for food.

Comment by James Rickard

July 26th 2009 23:43

unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
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Kristin Wolgemuth,

You think about how slimy they are and you see those two guys with both their arms around that thing!

Comment by Kristin Wolgemuth

July 27th 2009 09:33

Poetry Lighthouse
Time to Get Up Club

James- Those guys are extremists. Ew.

Comment by Anonymous

June 16th 2011 21:50

@ James Rickard... Really!?! You talk about how dirty catfish are and why you wouldn't eat them, Ill bet you have no problems eating crab. The same crabs that cover discarded bodies on the river/bay/ocean floor. they eat on the dead bodies and when authorities dredge bodies of water and find cadavers, crabs are usually feasting on the cadaver. But yeah, catfish are the gross ones... Crab are scavengers as well, the insect scavengers of the ocean. yum.

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