HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania has certified its first new Channel Catfish fishing record in 35 years after an Allegheny County angler caught a 36-pound, 2-ounce fish in the Allegheny River on October 3, surpassing a record that had stood since 1991.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission confirmed that David Taylor Jr., 44, of Munhall, caught the fish while competing in a Tri-State Hawg Hunters tournament near Pittsburgh. The catch exceeded the previous state record by nine ounces.
Taylor was fishing with Alex Atkinson of Rillton, Westmoreland County, below the Highland Park Lock and Dam near Sixmile Island when he hooked the fish shortly after 8 p.m.
The anglers had launched from Pittsburgh’s Southside Public Boat Launch aboard Taylor’s 18-foot fishing boat and had only recently set their lines.
Taylor initially believed he had caught a Blue Catfish because of the fish’s appearance in the water. He later determined it was a Channel Catfish after counting 26 rays on its anal fin, a distinguishing characteristic of the species.
The fish measured 42 inches long and had a girth of 26 inches, although Pennsylvania’s state record program considers only weight when determining records.
Taylor used a heavy-duty baitcasting rod equipped with 40-pound-test monofilament line, a Carolina rig and a circle hook baited with cut Mooneye.
After landing the fish, Taylor and Atkinson placed it in a livewell and continued fishing overnight. Another tournament participant suggested during the following morning’s weigh-in that the catch might exceed the Channel Catfish state record.
The fish initially weighed 36 pounds, 2 ounces on a certified scale at Reddi Bait and Tackle in Bridgewater, Beaver County.
Because the scale could not produce the printed weight documentation required by the state’s record certification rules, Taylor contacted Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Waterways Conservation Officer Abigail Luteri.
They arranged a second weigh-in at Goodman’s Bait and Tackle in Ford City, Armstrong County.
At 11:45 a.m. on October 4, the fish again weighed 36 pounds, 2 ounces, with Luteri present to verify the measurement.
Although the second scale also lacked printing capability, Luteri submitted a written statement documenting her inspection of the scale and the official weigh-in.
The previous Channel Catfish record was established in 1991 by a fish caught in the Lehigh Canal in Northampton County.
Taylor’s application, including photographs and details of the catch, was subsequently reviewed and approved by the commission’s Division of Fisheries Management.
The fish survived the overnight tournament and subsequent transportation between weighing locations. Following the official inspection, Taylor released it into the Allegheny River with Luteri present.
Taylor said protecting the fish remained a priority throughout the certification process.
“I told her that my biggest concern was the health of the fish, and if I felt I had to, I would pull over and release the fish, even if it cost me a chance at the state record,” Taylor said.
The commission’s record program requires anglers to use a state- or county-certified scale and submit a notarized application with color photographs and supporting catch information.
Fish intended for release must first be examined by commission personnel, who must approve the application before the fish is returned to the water.
The commission also retains authority to investigate the circumstances of a catch, verify measurements and reject applications that fail to satisfy program requirements.
Approved record holders receive a certificate and are listed on the commission’s website.
Taylor, who regularly fishes for large Flathead Catfish in the Pittsburgh area, said he had expected that species to offer his best opportunity at a state record.
“I’ve always dreamed of catching a state record, but I thought it would be a Flathead Catfish because we catch so many big ones out here in Pittsburgh,” Taylor said.
Information about Pennsylvania’s State Record Fish Program and application requirements is available at Fishandboat.com.
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