2004 CT state record was an albino channel. Go figure.
Deputy Commissioner David K. Leff, of the Department of Environmental Protection, (DEP), today announced that Appleton Barrows, age 70 of Ashford, Ct., has set a new state record for channel catfish. Mr. Barrows hooked into the large catfish at 2:30 a.m. on June 27, 2004 while fishing in an evening bass tournament on Mashapaug Lake. He battled the fish for 23 minutes before landing what later turned out to be a new state record. The fish was released alive after the weight was certified on a state inspected scale and all documentation was properly witnessed.
“The fish weighed an impressive 29.39 lbs., breaking the old state record by more than 6 pounds,” said Deputy Commissioner Leff. “What makes this state record unique is that our biologists have confirmed that this fish is an albino,” said Leff. Albinism is a genetic condition that causes the skin to be devoid of pigmentation. This condition is considered to be rare in nature.
“There are four species of catfish commonly found in Connecticut waters,” said Robert Jacobs a DEP Fisheries Biologist. “These include, channel catfish, white catfish, brown bullhead and yellow bullhead, and among all of these species, albinism is indeed a rare occurrence,” explained Jacobs. “The fact that this fish is an albino raises the possibility that it was originally an aquarium fish that was released,” said Jacobs. Albino catfish are commonly sold in the pet trade. DEP cautioned anglers not to move fish around the state or release store bought fish as this is illegal without the proper permits and has the potential to disrupt established fish communities.
“Catfish are popular gamefish but they are under-appreciated in the north,” said Jeff Carlson, a Certified Volunteer Instructor for the DEP’s Aquatic Resources Education Program. “They are fun and especially popular with kids who get a thrill out of catching a big fish. It is very relaxing on a hot day. Find a shady tree hanging over the water and have fun,” said Carlson. Catfish can be caught by a number of methods. As Mr. Barrow’s success shows, channel catfish are not just bottom feeders and will indeed feed on the surface and hit a lure with great enthusiasm. A more popular approach is to use weighted bait. Target drop offs, weed edges or the upstream side of a deep hole. Live minnows or fish chunks are among the preferred baits. Attach the weight to a dropper about 18” up from the hook and use enough weight to just hold to the bottom.
The Connecticut River, lower Housatonic River and Thames River are among the states best waters for catfishing. A Fisheries Guide to Lakes and Ponds of Connecticut, Including the Connecticut River and Its Coves provides additional information. This Guide includes all new maps of more than 120 lakes, ponds, and selected Connecticut River sites. Full-color photos, informative sections on lake ecology, fisheries management and fish life histories are also included. It is available through the DEP Book Store and many bait & tackle shops. Call the Book Store at (860) 424-3555 to place an order. For more fishing information, refer to the 2004 Connecticut Angler’s Guide for details. Angler’s Guides are available free of charge at any Town Clerk’s office and at many tackle stores.
