A Tennessee angler has made headlines again, shattering his own state record for the largest blue catfish. Micka Burkhart, 44, of Big Rock, landed a colossal 122-pound, 3-ounce catfish from the Barkley Reservoir in Stewart County. This impressive catch surpasses his previous record of a 118-pound blue catfish, also caught in the same reservoir in September 2022.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) officially confirmed the new record on July 11th, following Burkhart's remarkable catch on June 28th. The fish measured an astounding 57.5 inches in length and 42.5 inches in girth.

Burkhart expressed his amazement and gratitude, stating that the experience has been truly incredible. He acknowledged the overwhelming attention but emphasized his focus on taking things one day at a time. Remarkably, both of his record-breaking catches were released back into the reservoir.

Blue catfish are known for their strength and resilience, making them a popular target for anglers. These fish are typically found in coastal and inland waters across New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Southeast. While their average lifespan is around 9 to 10 years, some can live up to 25 years and grow to lengths of up to five feet. They are recognizable by their silvery-blue color, white belly, smooth skin, flat dorsal fin, deeply forked tail, and four pairs of whisker-like barbels around their mouths.

The current world record for the largest blue catfish stands at 143 pounds, caught in Kerr Lake, a reservoir between North Carolina and Virginia, in 2011.