Another Massive 'River Monster' Caught In Schuylkill River

Another massive ”river monster” has been pulled from the Schuylkill River, and this one might even be bigger.

On Wednesday, a pair of local cousins caught a flathead catfish that they believe could be up to 40 pounds.

The fish was caught in the Schuylkill River not far from Norristown, between Phoenixville and Valley Forge.

It’s the second recently publicized catch of a huge catfish in the Schuylkill, although such large hauls are not as uncommon as some might imagine.

The cousins caught theirs using the following tackle:

• six gauge Gamakatsu circle hook
• treble swivel
• 15 pound braided line
• 3 ounce weight
• 30 pound fluorocarbon triple tie Carolina style homemade leader
• Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 rod
• Shakespeare 4 Bearing System reel

A live bluegill was used as the bait. The fish was released back to the river after being caught.

Flathead catfish are not native to the Schuylkill and are considered invasive by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.