Monster Hunter (part 1: Catfish)

[BottomBouncer13]

I'm trying something different as a bit of a challenge this summer. I have caught trophy sized fish and some real pigs in multiple spieces over my life time but never while truly trophy hunting. So I've decided that I'd start documenting my journeys in catching true freshwater beasts kind of like that River Monsters show. I'd though it be a cool thing to do so I have something to show my kids when I can't fish as much as I used to. I'm starting off setting the bar high with getting my new personal best catfish. My previous PR was 16 pounds in a private lake in Parsippany (aka Lake Parsippany) back when I was a member. She ate a live bluegill and stetched the tape to 36 inches long and FAT. So we are looking for a 17 pound plus catfish. I'm thinking the Delaware and Raritan rivers as a good place to start. I'd take any help I can get from my friends at NJ Fishing. Feel free to contact me via pm with any advice or if u just want to join me on a night of catfishing.

[Esox Luciano]

Sounds like a nice challenge bro. Might even spark a flame under your kids' fins as well. A lot of NJ's waters hold BIG cat, definitely not a bridge too far. Pm sent.

[Cuz]

I've caught big channel cats at both Lake Hopatcong and Lake Muscanetcong. I chummed with canned catfood or dogfood.

[Eskimo]

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Go for it!
I've never caught a Flathead Catfish, but from what I've seen online and on TV, they seem to have greater growth potential than Channel Cats.

There are a few people on this forum and some bow fishermen who have become quite skilled at finding flatheads in the Delaware.

Here are some random pics of Flathead Catfish:

[BottomBouncer13]

Thanks guys! Starting the hunt tonight on the big D...definetly going to try one night on the big lake soon too...I just figure getting a flathead would be cool to check off the bucket list. Thanks for all those leaving PMs with advice. Going to try to report every trip from here on out..