Jason Wise (right) of Bear with his Delaware state-record flathead. (courtesy of DNREC)
Delaware’s First State-Record Flathead Certified
Source: Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Delaware has its first official state-record flathead catfish, and it’s a lunker. Jason Wise of Bear pulled a 33-pound, 15.68-ounce flathead from Lums Pond on May 21, setting the benchmark for the species in the state. The fish measured 40.25 inches and was certified at Captain Bones Bait and Tackle in Odessa by officials with the Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).
Wise said the strike was unmistakable; his rod slammed down, and the battle was on. After a stubborn fight, he hauled the fish from the water and knew it was another a good one. A longtime Lums Pond angler with more than 35 years on the water, Wise landed 53 flatheads there in 2024 alone. He credits his success to using shiners and worms and knowing when and where the big cats feed.
Flathead catfish are not native to Delaware waters. They were first confirmed in Brandywine Creek in 2010 and have since spread to Lums Pond and the C&D Canal. Unlike other catfish, flatheads are strict predators that feed primarily on live fish and crustaceans, raising concerns about impacts on native species.
DNREC encourages anglers to kill invasive fish like flatheads rather than release them. Transport, sale and possession of live invasive species is prohibited, but flatheads are increasingly appreciated as excellent table fare. Anglers are asked to report invasive catches through DNREC’s Invasive Fish Tracker, by email at DNRECFisheries@Delaware.gov or by calling 302-739-9914.
