Over 25 years ago, a Kansas angler made waves in the fishing world with an astonishing catch that would set both a state and world record. But as time passes, the question remains: Could this legendary catfish ever be outdone?
Ken Paulie’s record-breaking catch took place in May 1998 at Elk City Reservoir. The massive 123-pound flathead catfish not only smashed Kansas’ state record, but also claimed the title of the world’s largest flathead catfish ever caught. To this day, Paulie’s remarkable catch holds the all-tackle record, recognized by prestigious organizations such as the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and the International Game & Fish Association (IGFA).
Despite its impressive achievement, controversy surrounded Paulie’s catch, and the fish mysteriously disappeared for years after it was landed. However, in 2016, biologists with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) received an unexpected call that would allow them to study the legendary fish once more.
The Historic Catch
Sean Lynott, KDWP’s regional fisheries supervisor in southeast Kansas, was there when Paulie reeled in the enormous catfish. Lynott recalls an average day that would turn extraordinary when he noticed an angler fishing alone near the reservoir’s dam.
“I actually drove by and looked down at the angler,” Lynott said. “He was the only one out there.”
When Paulie walked into the office asking for help hauling in his catch, Lynott initially thought the angler might have had the strength to pull it in on his own. But upon seeing the fish, Lynott quickly realized the enormity of the catch.
“He was a big guy, about 6’2 or 6’3, in good shape,” Lynott remembered. “I could actually see the fish from the vehicle and knew immediately it was something special.”
The 61-inch flathead was a massive surprise, easily surpassing the previous state record of 90 pounds. Paulie had caught the fish using a rod and reel with a jig and minnow.
Lynott was amazed at the sight of the catfish, but Paulie wasn’t thinking about records—he just wanted to bring home his incredible catch. “At the time, Mr. Paulie didn’t even think about a state record or a world record, he just wanted to bring it home,” Lynott explained.
Controversy and the Missing Fish
As news of the record-breaking fish spread, rumors began to swirl. Some suggested that the fish was already dead when it was pulled from the water, while others claimed it had been seen struggling on the surface before being caught. However, Lynott was clear in his assessment: the fish was alive when it was inspected.
“There were all sorts of rumors going around, but what I’m 100% sure of is that the fish came out of Elk City Reservoir and was alive when I inspected it,” Lynott stated.
After the historic catch, the fish disappeared from public view. Over the years, Lynott lost hope of ever studying the fish, but in 2016, a call came that would change everything. A man contacted KDWP Fisheries Biologist Ben Neely, claiming he had the world-record flathead stored in his freezer.
The Big Reveal
Neely and Lynott were able to reunite with Paulie’s legendary fish, though it was in poor condition after being stored for nearly two decades. Despite freezer burn, the biologists could confirm it was indeed the record-breaking catfish. They were able to study the specimen, learn more about its growth, and discover what made it so large.
“When I saw the fish, it was apparent it was huge,” Neely said. “The rope the guy used as a stringer was still with the fish.”
Though the catfish was in rough shape, the biologists were able to determine that the fish had grown rapidly, particularly between ages five and ten, thanks to the nutrient-rich environment of Elk City Reservoir. The catfish likely reached its massive size due to abundant resources and favorable conditions.
“This fish lived through a really productive time at the reservoir,” Neely explained. “It put all its energy into growing, not reproduction.”
Using bones and remaining tissue, the biologists estimated the fish’s age at the time of capture to be at least 22 years, with a gender of male. Inside the fish’s belly, they also found a partially-digested 28-inch buffalo carp, supporting the theory that the catfish had a voracious appetite.
Will the Record Ever Be Broken?
Although Paulie’s record still holds as both the state and world record for flathead catfish, some biologists believe there is still potential for another fish of similar size to be caught. Neely noted that catfish, like other fish, never stop growing, though not all grow at the same rate. “If it happened once, I don’t see why it can’t happen again,” he said. “There’s a lot of unexplored water where those fish can hide.”
Lynott echoed this sentiment, calling these giant flatheads “extremely rare,” but emphasizing that it’s always possible for another record to be set.
“You never know,” he said. “It’s always possible.”
A Lasting Legacy
Though the world-record fish can no longer be seen in its original form, anglers can visit the KDWP Elk City office to view a replica of Paulie’s historic catch. For now, the 123-pound flathead catfish remains one of the greatest fish stories to ever come out of Kansas. Will it ever be surpassed? Only time will tell.
Image/Source: KSNT
