In early October, two local anglers turned a routine evening on the Allegheny River into a historic moment for Pennsylvania fishing. Dave Taylor and Alex Atkinson, participants in the Tri‑State Hawg Hunters tournament, set their lines beneath the Highland Park Lock and Dam near Sixmile Island and soon felt a powerful tug.
“It was just after 8 p.m., and Alex told me it looked like there was something tugging on my line,” Taylor recalled. “I started reeling and I could tell right away it was a pretty big fish.” The pair kept steady pressure, bringing the creature to the surface. Its silvery sheen and size led Taylor to believe it was a blue catfish, a species rarely seen at that size in Pennsylvania.
Weigh‑in confirms a new state record
After the catch, the anglers continued fishing through the night. It wasn’t until the morning weigh‑in that they realized the fish might be a record‑breaking channel catfish. The first measurement, taken at Reddi Bait in Beaver, recorded the fish at 36 pounds, 2 ounces. Because the scale did not produce a printed record, the duo drove to Goodman’s Bait and Tackle in Ford City for a certified weigh‑in.
Officer Abigail Luteri of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Southwest Region Bureau of Law Enforcement later submitted a written statement certifying the weight, as the second scale also lacked a printout. The official weight remained 36 pounds, 2 ounces, surpassing the previous record set in the Lehigh Canal in 1991 by 9 ounces.
What the record means for local anglers
For Taylor, the catch was more than a personal triumph; it highlighted the quality of the Allegheny River’s fishery. “Everything worked out in the end, and it feels incredible,” he said. “I always dreamed of catching a state record, but I thought it would be a flathead catfish. To catch a channel catfish that size? That just doesn’t happen.” He added that the experience underscored the importance of proper tackle: “Pay attention to your gear, keep your line strong and your hooks sharp for moments like this.”
The record adds to Pittsburgh’s growing reputation as a prime destination for sport fishing, drawing enthusiasts from across the region to test their skill on the river’s diverse waters.
Community response
Local bait shops and the tournament organizers praised the anglers for their sportsmanship and for handling the fish responsibly. Taylor noted that he was prepared to release the catfish if its health appeared compromised, but the fish remained vigorous throughout the transport to the weigh‑in locations.
Officials from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission confirmed that the record will be entered into the state’s official database, and the fish will be returned to the river after the certification process is complete.
This achievement showcases the dedication of Pennsylvania’s fishing community and serves as an inspiration for anglers of all ages who pursue the sport on the state’s rivers and streams.
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
