What is this thing?

[Quillback]

After about 10 minutes of research, I am going with Red River Mudpuppy.  The range of the Red River includes all of Arkansas.  There is also a Common Mudpuppy, but the range does not show it in Arkansas.  

The picture makes it look paler than it actually was.  I'd say the color in more like what you see on a flathead.

Red River waterdog - Wikipedia

[Johnsfolly]

6 hours ago, JestersHK said:

or was it straight into the fryer with it

It's a mud puppy not a hushpuppy 🤣!

[pjlures]

Probably tastes like chicken. Doesn't everything? 

[fishinwrench]

23 hours ago, JestersHK said:

Nice catch buddy, very cool indeed,  but  did you name it and give it a belly rub,  or was it straight into the fryer with it

 

Pete?!! 

"We need to find a wizard or something to turn him back !"

[dan hufferd]

On 12/21/2021 at 5:57 PM, jdmidwest said:

Hellbender?

For sure. Must be fishing some good water.

[Maverickpro201]

We call them water dogs in Texas

[Maverickpro201]

I would have hooked it thru the lips and went fishing. Bass Hate them and will almost tear the rod out of your hands, when they hit it. As they are a predator to bass eggs and fingerlings. We use them once in a while when the bass just will not bite, in Texas. They are shipped in from Nebraska and a few bait shops carry them.  

[Johnsfolly]

My buddy caught a MO species A few years ago from the Osage as we were sucker fishing.

[Quillback]

1 hour ago, Maverickpro201 said:

I would have hooked it thru the lips and went fishing. Bass Hate them and will almost tear the rod out of your hands, when they hit it. As they are a predator to bass eggs and fingerlings. We use them once in a while when the bass just will not bite, in Texas. They are shipped in from Nebraska and a few bait shops carry them.  

I bet when the bass are bedding they would hammer those things.  That one I caught was my little friend, I wouldn't be able to stick a hook though it's mouth and use it for bait.  

[Maverickpro201]

2 minutes ago, Quillback said:

I bet when the bass are bedding they would hammer those things.  That one I caught was my little friend, I wouldn't be able to stick a hook though it's mouth and use it for bait.  

OH COME ON MAN!!!!!!!!!!!! Your Kidding Me.