Check out the largest fish species found in the waters in Pennsylvania.
The flathead catfish is among the larges fish species found in Pennsylvania. (Photo: Tag my Fish)
The Largest Fish Species Found In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to a diverse range of the largest fish species, some of which are exceptionally large. According to a published article by the Southwest Journal, the musky, is one of the largest fish species that can reach lengths exceeding 50 inches and weigh more than 40 pounds. They are renowned for their challenging nature when it comes to catching them.
The flathead catfish, is also one of the largest fish species in Pennsylvania, it can grow over 50 inches long and weigh over 50 pounds. They typically reside at the bottom of bodies of water, often found in deep holes and under cover which may contribute to their title of being one of the largest fish species.
The lake sturgeon, is also among the larges fish species and the largest freshwater fish in Pennsylvania, it can grow to be over 7 feet long and weigh more than 100 pounds. Due to their protected status, this fish which is considered one of the largest fish species, catching one is considered prestigious.
Although not native to Pennsylvania, the striped bass is stocked in various rivers and reservoirs, and can grow to be over 50 inches long and weigh more than 50 pounds making it one of the largest fish species. These addition to the largest fish species list can be found in different locations, including Lake Erie, the Susquehanna River, and the Delaware River.
The channel catfish is also one of the largest fish species, and a common fish species found in Pennsylvania. They can grow to be quite large, reaching over 40 inches in length and weighing over 30 pounds.
An Angler From Pensylvania
In a published article by A-Z Animals, Jonathan Pierce, an angler from Pennsylvania, caught the largest flathead catfish ever officially recorded in the state on May 24th, 2020. The fish weighed 56 pounds and 3 ounces, measured 50 inches in length, and had a girth of 28.875 inches. This impressive catch broke the previous state record set in 2019.
Pierce, who enjoys fishing with his four children, had been working on catching flatheads in the Schuylkill River for almost a decade. On this day, he used a trout head as bait and felt a strong tug on his line. After a thrilling battle, he successfully reeled in the massive fish.
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