LEWES, Del. - A new state record for Blue Catfish caught has been recorded by The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, surpassing the previous record that lasted 20 days.
The department says the fish weighed 53 pounds and measured 46.5 inches in length. The catch, which is the fifth state record of the 2023 Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament, is believed to be the largest freshwater fish caught since the agency began keeping recreational fishing records.
According to the department, Sydney McBroom of Bridgeville caught the fish on Friday, Sept. 22 on the Nanticoke River. The department says McBroom caught the catfish from his boat, using a whole bluegill as bait and landing it after a 20-minute wrestling match.
“You use a big fish to catch a big fish,” said McBroom. “I don’t fish for attention, I fish for fun, I fish for me. You have to go onto the water and put your time in."
Officials say the fish was weighed at Lewes Harbour Marina in Lewes, and certified by Cpl. Kyle Wharton, Delaware Natural Resources Fish and Wildlife Police.
The department says a full state record is available at the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Delaware Fishing Records. More information about the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament and state record fish can be found in the 2023 Delaware Fishing Guide and at de.gov/sportfish.
