Angler Breaks Delaware State Record with a 36.2-Pound Flathead Catfish
Scott Failor, a dedicated angler from Pennsylvania, recently achieved a remarkable feat by landing a colossal 36.2-pound flathead catfish in the Delaware River. This extraordinary catch has officially been recognized as a new state record for Delaware. Failor, who regularly fishes in the Susquehanna River and even targets sharks in the surf, demonstrated his seasoned angling prowess during this memorable outing. The fish, measuring an impressive 41 inches in length and boasting a 24.75-inch girth, was confirmed at Captain Bones fishing store in Odessa, Delaware, after an official witness from the Delaware Fish and Wildlife agency verified the details. In a commendable act, Failor, who does not eat fish, generously donated his record-breaking catch to a local family, ensuring the prized flathead would be appreciated as a meal.
The angler's success underscores the rich aquatic life thriving in the Delaware River, particularly its substantial catfish population. Failor's experience, coupled with his use of robust fishing gear, proved crucial in battling and securing such a formidable specimen. This accomplishment not only etches his name into the state's fishing records but also sheds light on the recreational opportunities available in the region for anglers seeking challenging and rewarding experiences.
The Record-Breaking Catch and Battle
On a serene morning in early June, Scott Failor embarked on a fishing excursion to the Delaware River, a journey of ninety minutes from his residence in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Launching his 16-foot center console vessel near Augustine Beach at dawn, he commenced his angling pursuit by deploying cut gizzard shad as bait along the river's ledges. The early hours proved fruitful, as Failor successfully reeled in several catfish, some weighing up to 15 pounds. However, the true highlight of his morning unfolded around 7 a.m. when one of his robust 6.6-foot 'Toughest Fricke'N' bait casting rods dramatically bent, signaling a much larger catch. This marked the beginning of an intense struggle with a powerful, deep-diving fish.
Failor expertly managed the challenging battle using a Penn “Squall reel” loaded with 100-pound braided line, complemented by a 50-pound monofilament leader, an 8/0 circle hook, and a 6-ounce sinker. He attributed his use of heavy-duty equipment to his prior experiences fishing in the Susquehanna River and battling strong sharks in the surf, stating that big catfish exhibit similar formidable strength. After a demanding and prolonged confrontation, Failor skillfully netted the massive flathead and secured it in his boat. Recognizing the extraordinary size of his catch, he made the decision to have it officially weighed on certified scales, setting the stage for what would become a new state record.
Official Verification and Community Impact
Following the intense battle, Scott Failor transported his impressive catch to Captain Bones fishing store in Odessa, Delaware, to undergo official verification. At the store, certified scales confirmed the flathead catfish's remarkable weight of 36.2 pounds, along with its substantial length of 41 inches and a girth measuring 24.75 inches. This measurement officially surpassed the previous state record for the species, which was held by Jason Wise's catch of just under 34 pounds from Lums Pond in 2025. The establishment of this new record prompted Captain Bones store to contact the Delaware Fish and Wildlife (DFW) agency. Officer Jenna McDermott from the DFW soon arrived on-site to meticulously witness the weighing and measuring process, ensuring all state paperwork was accurately completed to validate Failor's achievement. Subsequently, Failor received official confirmation that his catch had indeed secured the state record for flatheads.
Adding to the significance of his accomplishment, Failor chose not to keep the fish for himself, as he does not consume fish. Instead, he made the generous decision to donate his enormous catch to a local family, who were reportedly thrilled to receive the flathead, a species highly regarded for its culinary quality. Despite having previously caught even larger flatheads in the Susquehanna River, Failor reflected on the possibility of commissioning a replica mount of his Delaware record fish, a testament to its memorable nature. Having only fished the Delaware River for approximately a year, Failor expressed his enthusiasm for the river's abundant catfish population, noting the presence of numerous flatheads, channel cats, and blue cats, indicating a promising future for angling in the region.