Blue catfish in Florida
Meet the species
Scientific name
Ictalurus furcatus
Overview
Originally found in the escambia and yellow rivers in northwest Florida, they are now also in the apalachicola and suwannee. Blues occur in big rivers and in the lower reaches of major tributaries. They prefer clearer, swifter water than other catfish, and are usually found over sand, gravel or rock bottoms.
Typical size
Big catch minimum: 36 inches or 25
At a glance
- Regions
- Panhandle, big bend, inland north
- Water
- Freshwater
- Bait
- Most are caught bottom fishing with cut fish & or stink baits rigged on large hooks with heavy lead sinkers.
Florida fishing record
- Weight
- 73 lb 10 oz
- Length
- 48.5 in (4.04 ft)
- Location
- Suwannee river, dixie
- Date
- Feb 15, 2026
- Angler
- Justin hodge
- Type
- Florida state record
Record catch notes
73.6 lb; 48.5 in; by justin hodge; on 2/15/2026; at suwannee river, dixie
When to fish
Good months
January–december
Season notes
Intentional year round: Florida freshwater sport fish generally available year-round; peak months only when FWC When-to-Fish states them.
Where to fish
Florida regions
Panhandle, big bend & inland north
Water
Freshwater
Habitat
Originally found in the escambia and yellow rivers in northwest Florida, they are now also in the apalachicola and suwannee. Blues occur in big rivers and in the lower reaches of major tributaries. They prefer clearer, swifter water than other catfish, and are usually found over sand, gravel or rock bottoms.
How to catch
One of the strongest freshwater fish, blues are caught on bush hooks or trotlines as well as rod and reel. Most are caught bottom fishing with cut fish, or stink baits rigged on large hooks with heavy lead sinkers. Image credit: © duane raver & jr.
Bait
Most are caught bottom fishing with cut fish & or stink baits rigged on large hooks with heavy lead sinkers.
Videos
- How to catch blue catfish · Open original
- How to find catfish in a lake or reservoir - where to fish for catfish · Open original
- HOW TO catch BIG bank catfish - THE boatless catfishing guide · Open original
- How to hold a catfish without getting stung - catfish spines · Open original
- 🧊⚠️ · Open original
- El hielo azul del tíbet enciende las alarmas. El retroces... · Open original
- First of his career! · Open original
- Video from tiktok.com (source title unavailable) · Open original
Sources
- Myfwc.com (3 pages)
Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.