Mississippi: State Record Fish Catches

Mississippi is the right destination for all fishing enthusiasts. It offers plenty of opportunities for memorable catches. You can cast the hook in the calm waters of rivers and lakes. That's not all. You can explore the vast coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. Its rich waters are not the only thing that enchants visitors to Mississippi.

Its southern charm and hospitality make this location even more attractive. The waters of the Mississippi hide stories of incredible achievements, and where memorable catches have been made. These stories are not just about fish but about skills and dedication.

In this guide, we'll explore Mississippi's most famous fishing records. You will find out who the anglers are behind these impressive catches.

Largest Fish Caught in Mississippi by Species

Mississippi's coastal reefs harbor a wealth of life, and fishing here challenges and excites any angler. Catches often become the start of exciting stories. Fighting fish in fast sea currents is a real experience, and they provide an opportunity for catches that will be discussed for a long time.

Mississippi offers a chance to capture real trophies. You may be the next record holder. Of course, that requires a dose of luck. This article will present the record catches across Mississippi, sorted by species. We will also compare them with world records. Thus, you will have a broader picture of the magnificent fishing achievements in this country.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout is a popular fish. It is often used in sport fishing. It is recognizable by its beautiful color and fighting character. This species is native to the northeastern Pacific coast of the United States of America. It is widely distributed throughout the world, including many waters of the Mississippi.

• Appearance: Rainbow Trout is recognizable by its beautiful color, light and dark stripes, and silver-blue sides. The back is darker. Rainbow Trout can reach about 3 to 5 feet and weigh between 6 and 11 pounds, but some specimens exceed these values.
• Habitat: Rainbow Trout swim in cool, fast-moving rivers and lakes, preferring rivers that flow through mountainous areas. They can also survive in larger lakes with cold water. 

In Mississippi, Rainbow Trout are often found in private lakes. They prefer deeper waters and can retreat there during warmer days. However, they are frequently visible in shallow areas, usually during spring and autumn. 

Fly fishing anglers often target this fish, known for its extraordinary appearance: colorful stripes stretching along its body. This Trout has become a symbol of clean, cold rivers and lakes in Mississippi.

State Record 

The largest fish of this species in Mississippi was caught in 2014. Tommy Ware caught a fish weighing 3 pounds, 10 ounces in a private lake in Ocean Springs, MS. 

• Mississippi Record: Still active
• Year: 2014
• Catch: 3 pounds, 10 ounces
• Angler: Tommy Ware

This record highlights the accessibility of this fighting Trout in the local waters, establishing a benchmark for future anglers to aspire to. Tommy Ware demonstrated impressive skill by catching this fish using fly fishing techniques.

World Record

The world record for Long-necked Trout was set in 2009 when an angler named David L. Van Hees caught a specimen weighing 48 pounds, 7 ounces. David used deep trolling to make the catch at Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan, Canada. 

• World Record: Still active (Lake Diefenbaker, Canada)
• Year: 2009
• Catch: 48 pounds 7 ounces
• Angler: David L. Van Hees

This record is still active as the largest catch of this species of Trout in history. It often inspires anglers around the world.

Spotted Gar 

The Spotted Gar is a unique species in the Gar family. It is recognizable by its beautiful appearance and swims in many Mississippi waters, from marshes to rivers. 

• Appearance: This slim fish has a characteristic elongated body structure. It is long, usually between 3 and 4 feet, and covered with dark spots. Its body color is generally brown to olive green, and its belly is lighter. The Spotted Gar also has an elongated nose with sharp teeth, which helps it hunt.
• Habitat: Spotted Gar prefers slow-moving waters and can thrive in low-oxygen environments. Common in rivers like the Pearl River, it favors areas with dense vegetation, which provides cover from predators and supports its survival.

Spotted Gar is highly prized for its combativeness and weight. Due to its ability to survive in different habitats, this Gar is ubiquitous in Mississippi waters.

State Record

The Spotted Gar record in Mississippi was set in 2005. James Starnes caught a fish weighing 6.18 pounds using fly fishing at Reflection Point Lake, Flowood, MS. 

• Mississippi Record: Still active
• Year: 2005
• Catch: 6.18 pounds
• Angler: James Starnes

This catch showed the angler's extraordinary skill and precision, setting high standards among anglers in the area. 

World Record

The world record for Spotted Gar was 17 pounds, 9 ounces, set in 1951 by angler Ray S. Thigpen in Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana. Thigpen used traditional fishing methods and showed extraordinary skill and patience in hunting this big fish. 

• World Record: Still active (Louisiana, USA)
• Year: 1951
• Catch: 17 pounds, 9 ounces
• Angler: Ray S. Thigpen

Ray S. Thigpen showed extraordinary skill and patience in hunting this big fish. He set an extremely high standard for all future anglers. 

Bowfin

The Bowfin is a prehistoric fish known for its exceptional combativeness and durability. It is a unique species that has survived many climate changes and remained unchanged for millions of years. The Bowfin is widely distributed in many rivers and lakes in Mississippi. 

• Appearance: The Bowfin has an elongated body. Its body can reach up to 36 inches and is covered with tiny, strong, armored scales. Bowfin usually has dark colors, but its sides and belly are lighter. You can spot it easily because of its big mouth and sharp teeth.
• Habitat: Bowfin live in calm and shallow lakes. They like waters with weak or moderate flow and prefer warmer temperatures. This is why you can often find them in the southern parts of Mississippi, along with lakes like Grenada Lake.

This ancient fish continues to captivate anglers with its strong lineage, aggressive nature, and remarkable size. Whether fishing in Mississippi's peaceful waters or pursuing Bowfin records around the world, targeting this species offers both challenge and reward.

State Record

Steele Henderson set the Mississippi Bowfin record in 2020. He caught an impressive Bowfin weighing 9 pounds in Oxburry Bayou Run, Greenwood, MS. This was an extremely significant catch, and Steele Henderson has distinguished himself as one of the leading anglers in this region.

• Mississippi Record: Still active
• Year: 2020
• Catch: 9 pounds
• Angler: Steele Henderson

This record catch was the result of skill and patience. Steele Henderson used an exceptional fly fishing technique, and this catch set a high standard for all future anglers in Mississippi.

World Record

The world record for Bowfin was set in 2010 in Loch Neagh, Northern Ireland. This record catch weighed an incredible 21 pounds, 4 ounces. Bowfin in this part of the world can reach extraordinary sizes.

• World Record: Still active (Loch Neagh, Northern Ireland)
• Year: 2010
• Catch: 21 pounds, 4 ounces
• Angler: Joe McManus

This record was set in a lake known for its large catches, but the fishing conditions were challenging. McManus has set the standard for all future Bowfin catches worldwide.

Freshwater Drum

The Freshwater Drum is an interesting fish. Its combativeness and distinctive sound while swimming make it a popular catch. This species is known for its unique sound, which it produces through vibrations from its gills. In Mississippi, it is present in many rivers and lakes.

• Appearance: The Freshwater Drum has a distinctive appearance. It has a long body, a large dorsal fin, a small mouth, and silvery gray skin. One of the most interesting factors about this fish is its ability to grow to significant sizes. These fish usually grow to 20 to 30 inches. 
• Habitat: The Freshwater Drum prefers calm water and moderate currents. However, it can occasionally be found in faster waters with higher oxygen levels. These fish like sandy and muddy bottoms, where they can feed on various types of insects and small fish.

They are especially abundant in areas such as the Pearl River and lakes around Jackson, MS.

State Record 

Albert Wood set the state record for Freshwater Drum in Mississippi in 2004. He caught a huge specimen which weighed 9.95 pounds. The location was on the Pearl River near Byram, MS. This record catch still holds the position as the heaviest catch of this species in Mississippi. 

• Mississippi Record: Still active
• Year: 2004
• Catch: 9.95 pounds
• Angler: Albert Wood

Wood caught this big fish using fly fishing, a method often used to achieve impressive results in this sport.

World Record

The world record for freshwater Drums was set in 2004 in Lake Oahe, South Dakota. The record specimen weighed 66 pounds, 8 ounces. The record was set in northern waters, where this species can reach exceptional dimensions due to the favorable environment.

• World Record: Still active (South Dakota, USA)
• Year: 2004
• Catch: 66 pounds, 8 ounces
• Angler: William L. McCormick

William L. McCormick held the world record in 2004. This record remains an unmissable moment in sport fishing. He showed how much this fish can grow under optimal conditions.

Grass Carp 

Grass Carp is known for its large size and is essential in managing aquatic ecosystems. Because of its combativeness and imposing dimensions, the Grass Carp is popular with anglers who want a challenge. In Mississippi, it is often present in large lakes and reservoirs.

• Appearance: The Grass Carp is a fascinating fish that's easy to recognize! Its long, torpedo-shaped body shines a beautiful silver-green. Its long dorsal fin and slim figure help it quickly zip through the water. This fish is also larger than many other catfish, often growing to 40 pounds or more!
• Habitat: Grass Carp prefer large bodies of water and mainly inhabit lakes. However, some live in rivers with a calm flow, as they can quickly adapt to different aquatic ecosystems.

Bowfishing is a highly effective technique for hunting Grass Carp, which is especially common in shallow waters. This method enables precise hunting with a bow and arrow. 

State Record

Jim Dendy set the State Record for Grass Carp in Mississippi in 2015. He caught an impressive Grass Carp weighing 41 pounds in Country Club Lake, Kosciusko, MS. This catch is still active.

• Mississippi Record: Still active
• Year: 2015
• Catch: 41 pounds
• Angler: Jim Dendy

This record is still an impressive feat today. Dendy had to put up a big fight to catch this mighty fish. He caught it using the fly fishing technique.

World Record

The world record for Grass Carp was set in 2010 when a specimen weighing pounds was caught in the Amur River in Russia. 

• World Record: Still active (Amur River, Russia)
• Year: 2010
• Catch: 88 pounds
• Angler: Sergey Kanygin

Sergey Kanygin holds the world record for this type of Carp, with a catch of 88 pounds. This record attracted a lot of attention in the world of sport fishing, as it shows how massive this fish can be.

Brown Bullhead

The Brown Bullhead is a common catfish in Mississippi. It has a petite body and is highly prized by anglers. 

• Appearance: Brown Bullheads are recognizable by their dark color, which varies from brown to blackish. They have a white belly and a broad head with pronounced whiskers. These fish have an elongated body and back. Brown Bullheads can grow up to 5-6 pounds.
• Habitat: The Brown Bullhead is specific to still-water bodies and prefers muddy bottoms in ponds and lakes. These fish often retreat to shallow areas.

These fish are very combative, but their meat is delicious. That's just one reason why Brown Bullhead is very popular among anglers.

State Record

Eric Mayo set the Mississippi Brown Bullhead catch record in 2020. He caught a Brown Bullhead weighing 4 pounds, 5.7 ounces. The location is a farm pond in Richton, MS. 

• Mississippi Record: Still active
• Year: 2020
• Catch: 4 pounds, 5.7 ounces
• Angler: Eric Mayo

Eric Mayo used fly fishing instead. This record catch has encouraged many anglers to try to beat it. It has become a symbol of this species' combativeness and adaptability.

World Record

The world record for Brown Bullhead was set in 2002, when a specimen weighing 7 pounds, 8 ounces was caught in Lake Ontario, Canada. This record represents the impressive size this species can reach, although it is known for being smaller than other Catfish species.

• World Record: Still active (Lake Ontario, Canada)
• Year: 2002
• Catch: 7 pounds, 8 ounces
• Angler: Scott Arnold

Scott Arnold set a world record in 2002 by catching the largest Brown Bullhead in Lake Ontario. This record is still unsurpassed and has inspired many anglers to strive to catch large Brown Bullheads.

Black Crappie

Black Crappie is a delicious panfish highly prized across the United States. In Mississippi, it's considered one of the most important sport fish and is often the subject of debate among anglers over the best bait to use.

• Appearance: Black Crappies are easily recognizable by their dark body covered with irregular black spots. Their color varies from dark green to black, and they have a relatively thin and laterally flattened body shape with long ice fins. Also, they have a large mouth. Their average length is about 8 to 12 inches, and their weight can vary from 1 to 2 pounds.
• Habitat: Black Crappies prefer calm and clear waters with a lot of vegetation. They inhabit lakes and ponds and seek sheltered areas such as fallen branches or rocks.

In Mississippi, Black Crappies are present in many private lakes and ponds, which makes it easily accessible to local anglers. 

State Record

The state record for Black Crappie in Mississippi was set in 2006. John Brasher caught the record fish, which weighed 3 pounds. The catch was recorded by fly fishing in a private lake near Bruce, MS. 

• Mississippi Record: Still active
• Year: 2006
• Catch: 3 pounds
• Angler: John Brasher

His fly fishing technique and choosing the right spot proved key to this record catch. This catch set the standard for Black Crappie fishing in Mississippi. It inspired many anglers to try to break the record.

World Record

The world record for Black Crappie was set in 2021. Lionel Ferguson caught a specimen weighing 5 pounds, 7 ounces. This catch was recorded in a private pond. 

• World Record: Still active (Tennessee, USA)
• Year: 2021
• Catch: 5 pounds 7 ounces
• Angler: Lionel Ferguson

Lionel's persistence and skill led to breaking the previous record. Specimens this large are too rare for this species.

Warmouth (Sunfish)

Warmouth is an intriguing type of Sunfish. It is known for its adaptability to different habitats and is often described as a fish with predator-like behavior, which makes it interesting for recreational anglers. 

• Appearance: The Warmouth has a compact, rounded body with dark, vertical stripes along its flanks. The color varies from olive-green to brown. It has a big mouth, which allows it to hunt prey larger than its dimensions.
• Habitat: This fish prefers calm, warmer waters and an environment with rich vegetation, such as swamps, ponds, slow rivers, and streams. The Warmouth is known to survive in low-oxygen habitats easily.

Warmouth is aggressive and ready to bite different types of bait; it feeds on insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

State Record 

The state record was set in 2010. Fisherman Cory Gibson holds this record. It uses the fly fishing method.

• Mississippi Record: Still active
• Year: 2010
• Catch: 0.63 pounds
• Angler: Cory Gibson

The caught specimen weighed 0.63 pounds. This catch shows that smaller species like Warmouth can provide an exciting fishing experience.

World Record

The world record for Warmouth proves their ability to reach significant sizes. 

• World Record: Still active (Alabama, USA)
• Year: 1974
• Catch: 2 pounds, 7 ounces
• Angler: Billy Jones

The world record was broken in 1974 when Angler Billy Jones caught a specimen of 2 pounds, 7 ounces. Warmouth is a challenge for anglers who seek adaptability and aggressive behavior.

Final Thoughts

Mississippi is home to some of the most popular fish species in the United States. Each of these state records tells a story of dedication and skill. Of course, there is also luck. The waters of the Mississippi have something for everyone, from quiet lakes and ponds to large rivers and swamps. 

Fishing in Mississippi isn't just a sport. It's a tradition. It is an opportunity to connect with nature and create memories. Every year, avid anglers set new personal records. The most persistent ones write their name in history by breaking national records. These catches are also a testament to the size and richness of Mississippi's fish stocks. 

Your next trip could lead to a record-breaking moment. With the right gear and patience, anything is possible. And if you land a new record, be sure to let us know!

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are not of specific record catches or events. They are included for illustrative purposes to represent the fish species discussed. Our team has manually checked all data. We strive to keep all information current; some details may occasionally become outdated.