This guy is a true sportsman, I like the fact that he uses circle hooks for catfish(like I do)and does it so the fish aren't harmed. I think that the most sportsmanlike thing he did was releasing a state record. Lots of guys would have kept that fish in a flash, but he decided to let someone else get the thrill he did while he was reelin' that bugger in. Nice post, and congratulations to this lucky angler. That was an amazing fish.

P.S. The previous Mississippi record was only 66 pounds. The Idaho state record was 58 pounds, only 8 pounds short of the old Mississippi record. In case you're wondering, the Idaho flathead was caught at Brownlee reservoir on 8/23/94.

-coho310

wow what a fish i also use circle hooks hes a great sportsman for releasing it wouldnt it be cool if some little kid caught it now.

What a great photo essay- lots of good info on how it all happened. How lucky his brother has livewell big enuf to hold a monster like that!

wow that fish is huge kinda makes the old record look small!

That was a HAWG.

Very nice fish, if he smiles any harder he gonna break his jaw or atleast a tension headache. Glad to know that monster is still swimming and just wait'n to give a thrill to another angler.

Awesome catch! and Kudos for puttin' it back!
I wish more people practiced "catch and release".
Good Kharma!