GIANT Oconee Cat Reminds Anglers That April Is A Record-Breaking Month

Chris Wilson, of Madison, will be eating catfish for a while after catching a 50-lb. flathead catfish from Lake Oconee at 6 p.m. on April 13.

“I caught ’em on cut mullet,” said Chris.

Chris was “jug” fishing when he caught the beast. The giant cat had traveled about 600 yards with Chris’ float and was very lethargic when Chris put him in the boat.

“He was probably wore out from going that far,” Chris said.

Chris has been jug fishing on Oconee for three years, and the big appaloosa cat beats his personal record of 45 pounds.

GON is the official keeper of the Georgia Lake and River Records list. To be considered for that list, fish must be caught on rod and reel. Oconee’s current rod-and-reel record for flathead catfish is held by Claude Spires. His fish weighed 45-lbs, 12-ozs. and was caught on April 16, 2013—almost one year ago to the day of when Chris caught his fish.
 
April has always been a month when GON gets a rush on new lake-and-river-record fish. If you catch a fish you think might be a record, take it to the closest DNR Fisheries office for certification and weighing. Also make sure you call GON at (800) 438-4663.