06-20-2018, 05:33 PM
06-21-2018, 11:45 AM
I'll remember that the next time I wonder if my catfish bait is too big!
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06-22-2018, 05:00 PM
Cats that big may be in Utah somewhere, but that was from Texas where that size is pretty common.
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06-23-2018, 09:55 PM
I've often wondered just how big Utah Channels can get (on average)? Is the maximum size for these monsters bigger up here in the Cutler drainage or down in Utah Lake, or in Willard?
Maybe Pat can chime in. Does the DWR keep records of this maybe?
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Maybe Pat can chime in. Does the DWR keep records of this maybe?
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06-23-2018, 10:32 PM
The Utah rod and reel record is 32 lbs, 8 oz from Utah Lake, 1978. (39 3/4" 22" girth)
Smith and Eddy's used to display a 25-lber from Willard, IIRC.
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Smith and Eddy's used to display a 25-lber from Willard, IIRC.
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06-23-2018, 11:21 PM
Looking at the leader boards for the past few years it looks like 32.5-33" is an "average" max. And fish of that size have been posted by both north and south teams. Everybody talks about catching the 36"er, and maybe there is one somewhere in Utah Lake or Cutler, but don't hold your breath. Really, from what I have observed, anything 30+ is quite a cat. And according to my handy-dandy inches-to-pounds conversion chart a 30"er would weigh around 11-12 pounds and a 33" should come in about 15. Oh, and that 36"er would be a 20 pounder.
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06-24-2018, 12:08 PM
Can't even imagine catching a 36" Channel! What a rush that would be.
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06-24-2018, 07:33 PM
I would like to add Channel Catfish thrive in rivers sitting on slow water at the edge of fast moving water waiting for food to brush past their barbels (whiskers). These fish which are in rivers are significantly stronger and have a significant advantage in moving water using the current to supply oxygen to their gills while fighting the water from moving them from the position they sit at. They are very familiar with their surroundings using all structure and vegetation to their advantage while fighting. The Jordan river for instance is a very under rated fishery among most anglers but I believe more than one state record breaker resides in here but is nearly impossible to land considering the advantages these fish have against any angler with any tackle.
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