The largest blue catfish caught in Virginia weighed 102 pounds, and was caught in the James River in 2009. Blue catfish were introduced to the region in the 1970s, and are now considered an invasive species.
Is blue catfish invasive?
Blue catfish are considered an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay. They were introduced to several rivers on Virginia’s Western Shore decades ago. People thought that these fish, which like fresh water, would stay in those rivers. But blue catfish were able to tolerate higher salinity than anticipated.
Why is the blue catfish invasive?
In the Chesapeake Bay, blue catfish are considered an invasive species. They have expanded their range and population so much that they are likely negatively affecting the Bay ecosystem because they eat so many native species, such as striped bass, blue crab, shad, herring, and Atlantic sturgeon.
Where can I find blue catfish in James river?
Some of Jones’ favorite catfish lairs are the 295-bridge area on the main stem of the river, Deep Bottom, Hopewell and the Benjamin Harrison Bridge area. The Hopewell area and the Benjamin Harrison Bridge are located near the mouth of the Appomattox River, which is the home of the former state-record blue cat.
How do you keep blue catfish from spreading?
Managing the spread of blue and flathead catfish
- Remove invasive catfish from priority areas.
- Develop a commercial fishery.
- Evaluate removal methods.
- Develop monitoring and response plans.
- Evaluate habitat connectivity.
- Review fishing policies and regulations.
- Increase public awareness.
Are blue catfish harmful?
When attacked, blue catfish defend themselves with serrated spinal barbs located on both their dorsal and pectoral fins. The spines have glands that expel harmful toxins, which can enter predators’ wounds and cause sharp pain.
Is blue catfish high in mercury?
Mercury levels in fish are measured as parts per million (ppm), and catfish has one of the lowest average levels at 0.025 ppm. While consumers should be more conscious about the amount of high-mercury fish they consume, they don’t need to avoid catfish.
What is the world record for a blue catfish?
143-pound
The world record, a 143-pound blue catfish measuring almost 57 inches, was taken from a Virginia lake in 2011. In the past, the species has been a somewhat irregular denizen of the Ohio River and its tributaries.
What’s the difference between a channel catfish and blue catfish?
The best way to distinguish these species of catfish is by counting the number of rays on its anal fin. Blue catfish will have over 30 anal rays, while the channel cat will have less than 30. The blue catfish also has an anal fin squared off on the front edge, while the channel catfish has a rounded anal fin.
What is the best bait for blue cats?
To Get The Blue Catfish Bite
– You’ll want to use a bait that has plenty of stink. Cut herring, mud shad, or menhaden fits the bill perfectly. – Some anglers swear by commercially made stink-baits, and others by chicken livers.
What kind of catfish are in the James River?
The two fish species that mostly live on the bottom of the James River and have mouths that are on the bottom of each fish are Hog Choker’s and Blue Catfish.
Are there catfish in the James River?
Fishing for Flathead Catfish
My top two favorite destinations for Flathead Catfish are the James River around the boulders of the fall line in Richmond and the Dan River in southern Virginia. I fish for Flathead Catfish in the same manner as I do Blue Catfish except the bait used is the major difference.
How big are catfish in the James River?
The biggest Channel Catfish caught measured 31 inches long and weighed just over 13.5 pounds, while the biggest Flathead Catfish measured 44.5 inches and weighed 47.8 pounds.
How are the blue catfish having a negative effect on other organisms?
Blue catfish are voracious eaters–they consume other fish, crustaceans, and even other catfish. They out-compete the native species for both habitats and food. They eat the same plants, insects, fish, and blue crabs that native fish depend on, and then eat the native fish, too!
Are snakeheads catfish?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, snakeheads have also been spotted in California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Rhode Island.
How did the blue catfish get to Georgia?
Growing to more than 100 pounds, they were illegally introduced by fishermen in the mid-1990s into the blackwater stream that meanders 100 miles from near Douglas to the coast.
Where did blue catfish originate?
Introductions
| Introduced to | Introduced from | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| China | USA | No data on ecological effects in China |
Do blue catfish eat live bait?
As blue catfish primarily feed on forage fish and are also scent feeders, this makes a chunk of fresh cut bait a natural choice. Some anglers do go to the trouble of using live bait fish for blue catfish as well. However cut bait is very productive and there is no need to keep these fragile bait fish alive.
What freshwater fish has the most mercury?
Highest Mercury Fish
High mercury fish to steer clear from include: Tilefish. King mackerel. Shark.
Is catfish better than salmon?
While catfish does provide omega-3s, it is a leaner fish that provides fewer fatty acids than a fatty fish like salmon. A 3-ounce serving of fatty fish like salmon can contain up to 1,800 mg of omega-3s compared with a 3-ounce serving of catfish which contains only 200 mg of omega-3s ( 12 ).
Is catfish healthy to eat?
Catfish is one of the cheapest options when it comes to getting high nutritional value from a low-calorie meal. It provides crucial nutrients such as vitamin B12, proteins, and omega-3 while also being highly versatile.