Someone asked how much a catfish of a certain length would typically weigh. I've been researching just that lately. After comparing a lot of data and using various formulas I have come up with a scale that may or may not be accurate to within 10%. Here is an abbreviated version:
18" 2 lbs.
20" 3 lbs.
22" 4 lbs.
23.5" 5 lbs
25" 6 lbs.
26.5" 7 lbs.
27.5" 8 lbs.
28.5" 9 lbs.
29" 10 lbs.
30" 11 lbs.
30.5" 12 lbs.
31.5" 13 lbs.
32" 14 lbs.
32.75" 15 lbs.
33.5" 16 lbs.
34" 17 lbs.
34.75" 18 lbs.
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How does the data above compare to your experience?
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[#0000FF]Pretty close...as a general guideline. Of course there may be differences based upon general health of the individual cats, big recent meals, etc. But still very close.
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I would say that it’s petty close from what I’ve seen within that 10% you give yourself. But just like a All species there would be exceptions and time of year would bea factor. But I think you did well on your guesstimation.
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Thanks for your reply. I figured that you would probably know as well as anyone so I appreciate the validation. I was planning to add the caveats about condition, recent meals, etc. but I ran out of space. Everyone should just remember that these are "average" or "typical" "estimates." Do you think anyone would like to see the detailed chart? I have worked it out to 48" (the size of my bump board [bob
]). And please remember that this is for channel catfish specifically. If anyone would like to know the formulas I can share those, too.
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Oh, I meant to ask: can anyone give me typical girth measurements? Some formulas require girths and I had to make wags.
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[#0000FF]I seldom record girths. In fact, I seldom record weights. Just a quick length measure, a smooch to grow on and back into the drink. But over the years I have weighed enough of different sizes to formulate an averaging...so if a fish is a heavy 26 incher I can guess that it will probably be a pound or so heavier than one of similar size but less girth.
Can't speak for others but I suspect that your project has more meaning and interest to you than it might for the "average" cataholic. The ones I know are more interested in places to go, baits and presentations than how much their catch actually weighs. After all, if you release the fish and nobody else is there to disprove you, you can assign it any weight you want. We all know fishermen would never exaggerate or stretch the truth (scales).
I have watched a lot of fish porn posted on this forum...along with angler guesstimated weights. And I have seen the potential accuracy go all over the map...from very low to ridiculously high. I doubt that either side cares enough about the facts to employ a sure-fail in-the-field formula for determining accurate weights.
I applaud your ingenuity. But I suspect you may have too much time on your hands.
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Thanks, I figured as much. So help me out with places to go, bait, and methods for around Lincoln Beach. I appreciate all your knowledge which you so willingly share. I'll be afoot.
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[#0000FF]I am attaching a couple of things that might help. If you are targeting white bass and/or walleyes, take an assortment of plastics...small tubes or 3" twisters in white, chartreuse, black/chartreuse, red/chartreuse, etc. Tip with a piece of crawler for more attention.
Catfish will hit crawlers, carp meat, white bass meat or baits like chicken livers or even dough baits. You need to find the fish first. Off the end of the dikes is a good place to go because most other potential spots are now wet.
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