'Newspg12.indd' by The Newscaster

PAGE 12 - June 22, 2016

The Newscaster/Nature Coast News

eenager catches state-record

flathead catfish

Charles Patchen (13) from Alabama caught a 63.8-pound flathead catfish on the

Chattahoochee River in Jackson County at 2:30 p.m. on May 15. He beat the previous cer-

tified state record by more than eight pounds. Patchen had reluctantly agreed to go bream

fishing Sunday afternoon with his mother and stepfather, Jeanette and Bryan Atwell. After

landing his state-record flathead catfish, he was certainly glad he went!

When the bream suddenly stopped biting after a successful morning, Patchen s

stepfather suggested there might be a larger fish lurking in the water scaring off the bream.

So they switched from baiting with minnows to a bluegill they had caught. After the second

time his bait was hit, Patchen set the hook. He assumed it was hung up on something under-

water, so he asked his stepfather for help.

"I grabbed the pole from him, gave it a couple tugs and the fish took off," said

Atwell. "I handed the pole back to Charles and said, `GET `EM! "

Patchen fought the catfish hooked on his Zebco 33 with 14-pound test line for nearly two

hours while Atwell guided their boat with his trolling motor, following the fish in hopes of

The Newscaster

The

tiring it out. The monster flathead catfish eventually gave up the fight and Patchen reeled

it in. After the fish flipped over,

5093 S. Orwell Pt., Homosassa, Florida 34446

Atwell had to roll it into their boat

This week's featured photo is of Dean Kettner(352)Darren Hudman (Asst Manager CCO) with

Phone: and 489-4588 Fax: (727) 362-4788

because it was too large for their

Email, Tom Russell, Publisher: thenewscaster1@gmail.comIEmail, Debbie Russell, ft of

their two snapper limit each. They caught them during our short 11 day season in 58 Editor: d

he Newscaster

net. "I was so tired after reeling

WebsitesThey caught hundreds of snapper but it was hard to catch· a legal one over 16 inches.

water. : thenewscaster.com · newscasterarchives.com history.newscasterarchives.c

nellon, Crystal River, Homosassa, Inverness, Hernando, Holder, Citrus Springs, Bevely Hills & Cove.

it in that I fell back into the boat

From Captains

to rest," said Patchen, Floral City

the newly

Fresh Water Fish Commission conservation officer. He was quick to point out that he is

ADDRESS:state-recordOrwell Pt., Homosassa, FL 34446

awarded 5093 S. holder for

passing on the tradition, stating, "All I can say is carry a kid fishing."

flathead catfish. "But I m glad my

Pmom made me go fishing that day (352)727-362-4788

HONE: (352) 489-4588 FAX:

FWC Biologist Katie Woodside met with the self-titled `catfish master and his



family the next day to get an official certified weight and measurements and to have the ap-

because now I am the catfish mas-



plication notarized. The official measurements were 48.03 inches in total length, with a girth

ter!"

  

of 35.43 inches. "Charles flathead catfish is a great catch to add to our state records -- and

Atwell is well versed in

caught on a 14-pound test line, by a 13-year-old at that! Just one more reason why Florida is

Florida outdoor recreation and

the `Fishing Capital of the World, " said TomChampeau,director ofthe

    Division of Fresh-

conservation, as his father Grady

water Fisheries Management. The previous certifiedstaterecord   weighed

     flathead catfish  

Atwell was a longtime Game and

55.05 pounds and was caught on the Yellowby JamesAuston Jr.    

River    in 2011.



BUDDY & FRED'S HARDWARE

Captains    

 Cove Outfitter

39 W.Inglis, 447-5610

 Hwy. 40 · FL · (352) 

Open M-Sa 5:45-6pm 

  Sun. 5:45-5pm

Me 

 or  Than A Bait Store

Even bait

though we have a great  selection!

Pre - 4th of July Specials

 



Keep Gear up to

your

date!



5093 S. Orwell Pt., Homosassa, Florida 34446 Shimano Rods & Reels

With



Serving Inglis, Yankeetown, Dunnellon, Hernando, Crystal River & Homosassa



Phone (352) 489-4588 Fax (727) 362-4788



Visit our Website, www.thenewscaster.com    



Email (Tom Russell, Publisher) thenewscaster1@gmail.com  



   

Email (Debbie Russell, Editor) debbienewscaster@gmail.com

All Our Staff are Fishermen

Local Guides Available

We have a Clean Family Friendly Atmosphere

    

Top Qualityrods& for beginners

     reels

to experts.Large selectionof Saltwater 

    Tackle

   







League of Women

Specials







Voters of Citrus County





ase Knife READY TO ASK THE CANDIDATE

GET



over $100 Citrus Primary Candidate Forum

 



Ad Proof

indchimeuly 20,2016 ,5:00 PM at CCF, Lecanto



   



over $100 For more info, please s Card Ad

Busines

visit FB





"Citrus Primaryt2016 Forum July 20, 2016"

o start in 2-17-16 issue

WAERFOTnitlooe Rier!

T RN o W ache  v

 

h  c   

dge Cookware

overo$100 www. lwvcitrus.org or call 352-382-0032 

   

r visit



1.acrsRBfor only

5   e  , 2B  / 2  A     

USA

es Good on Purchases