2 invasive fish break state records in Delaware waters

DNREC encourages fishermen to kill, and not release, invasive species. (Photo courtesy of DNREC)

Delaware anglers recently shattered state records with catches of two invasive fish species, according to the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).

Jason Wise of Bear landed a 33-pound, 15.68-ounce flathead catfish on May 21 in Lums Pond, setting Delaware’s first official state record for the species.

Just days later, Dyllan Rust of Harrington broke the record for Northern snakehead with a 15-pound, 8-ounce catch from Marshyhope Ditch on June 1 — besting a previous record set less than a month earlier.

Wise, who has fished Lums Pond for more than 35 years, described the moment his rod was nearly yanked to the ground by the powerful fish.

“My fishing pole took a hard hit, bending to the ground,” he said. “The catfish put up a tenacious fight, and after finally pulling it out of the water, Wise knew he had “landed another huge flathead, and knew it had to be over 30 pounds.”

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Flathead catfish, originally native to the Mississippi and Ohio River basins, were first detected in Delaware in 2010.

Unlike other catfish, flatheads prey exclusively on live fish and crustaceans, posing a growing threat to native aquatic species.

Their spread now includes Lums Pond and the C&D Canal.

Rust’s record-breaking Northern snakehead measured 31.5 inches and was weighed at the Williamsville Country Store in Houston.

Like flatheads, Northern snakeheads are an invasive species, first discovered in Delaware in 2010.

Native to East Asia, they’ve since established populations across the state’s rivers, creeks, and ponds.

Highly aggressive and capable of spawning multiple times a year, snakeheads can outcompete native sport fish, including largemouth bass.

DNREC is encouraging anglers to help manage invasive species by killing — not releasing — flathead catfish and Northern snakeheads if caught.

While the possession and transport of live invasive species is illegal in Delaware, they are increasingly valued as table fare.

Anglers are also urged to report invasive catches to the state via DNREC’s Invasive Fish Tracker, by email at DNRECFisheries@Delaware.gov, or by phone at 302-739-9914.