Bowfisherman shatters Michigan state record with ‘remarkable beast’ of a catfish

A bowfisherman in Michigan went fishing in his attempt to retrieve dinner, but instead captured a keepsake — and a state record.

Codie Carlson is a new state-record holder in Michigan, catching a 64.46-pound flathead catfish while on Plum Creek on June 29, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced July 21.

Describing himself as a “true fishoholic,” Carlson’s fish is the largest flathead catfish caught in the state for any method of fishing.

It shatters Lloyd Tanner’s previous record of 53.35 pounds, caught on the St. Joseph River in 2022.

“I thought I was about to shoot a channel catfish for dinner. Turns out, I guess we do have flathead catfish in these waters,” Carlson told state officials.

Carlson said in a Facebook post he usually releases his catches, but he was unable to keep the fish alive during the process of certifying it.

“I feel like if I was this fish and I was killed I’d want my measurements recorded to be remembered for hopefully years to come,” he said. “The legacy of this fish will live on forever in my home. Truly a remarkable beast!”

Plum Creek is in Monroe County, about a 50-mile drive southwest from Detroit.

This story was originally published July 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM with the headline "Bowfisherman shatters Michigan state record with ‘remarkable beast’ of a catfish."