Michigan State Record Flathead Confirmed

[Stoneroller]

http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/news/angler-breaks-69-year-old-catfish-record-238050.aspx

copied from the above link: Photo is with the Link^^^

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the catch of a new state record flathead catfish.

Rodney Akey of Niles, Mich., caught the record 49.8-pound, 45.7-inch long catfish on Tuesday, May 22, on the St. Joseph River in Berrien County at 8 p.m. Akey was still-fishing from shore with an alewife when he landed the record fish.

The monster fish was verified by Scott Hanshue, a DNR fisheries biologist, at the DNR's Plainwell office.

The previous state record flathead catfish was caught by Elmer Rayner of Hastings, Mich., on the Maple River in Ionia County on Aug. 6, 1943. That fish weighed in at 47.5 pounds and measured 44 inches.

"I've been fishing catfish on the St. Joseph River for the last 20 years, but it never crossed my mind that I would catch a state record," said Akey. "And beating a nearly 70-year record - that's a feat in itself!"

State records are recognized by weight only. To qualify for a state record, fish must exceed the current listed state record weight, and identification must be verified by a DNR fisheries biologist.