Blue catfish in Florida
Where to catch blue catfish, plus limits and records.
- 73.6 lbrecord
Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain
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Blue catfish in Florida waters
Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is managed by FWC as a freshwater species. FWC’s Big Catch program recognizes blue catfish from 36 inches or 25.0 lbs. The Florida record blue catfish weighed 73.6 pounds (Suwannee River, 2026).
Know your blue catfish
Home water for blue catfish
“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 blue catfish feed and spawn
“Young blues eat aquatic insects and small fish while larger blues prefer crayfish, mussels and other fish.”
Quoted from the FWC species profile.
Florida record blue catfish
| Category | Weight (lb) | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater | 73.6 | Suwannee River | 2026 |
FWC freshwater state records and Catch a Florida Memory saltwater records. Angler names left out.
Other Florida freshwater fish
Quick answers on blue catfish
What are the Florida rules for keeping blue catfish?
FWC has no separate freshwater rule listed for blue catfish.
What does the Florida record blue catfish weigh?
73.6 pounds, caught in 2026.
Which Florida waters hold blue catfish?
The lists above show where blue catfish are caught.
Are blue catfish stocked in Florida?
No recent FWC stocking of blue catfish is listed.
What size blue catfish counts for a Big Catch certificate?
36 inches or 25.0 lbs.
What is the taxonomic name of blue catfish?
Ictalurus furcatus.
Can I fish for blue catfish without a license?
Yes, a Florida freshwater license from age 16 unless exempt.
Can I keep blue catfish year round?
No closed season is listed for blue catfish.
What sources cover blue catfish here?
FWC, which sets Florida fishing rules.