SEAFORD, DELAWARE (8/9/2017) A blue catfish caught in the upper Nanticoke River near Seaford has been confirmed as a new state record in the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament, authorities announced Tuesday.
The 36-pound, 3.2 ounce fish was caught June 20 by Jordan Chelton of Harrington. It was 38 1/2 inches long and had a girth of 27 1/2 inches.
Chelton caught the catfish on 12-pound test line using a chunk of Atlantic menhaden (bunker) as bait. The fish took the bait about 9:30 p.m. and it took Chelton about a half hour to land it, according to the state Division of Fish and Wildlife.
The previous catfish record holder was Gavin Spicer, who caught a 25-pound, 5.6 ounce blue catfish in the Nanticoke on April 21.
Chelton’s catch was initially confirmed by Natural Resources Police officer Adam Roark, and verified at Taylored Tackle Shop in Seaford.