Wife Dethrones Husband! New Record Catfish for a Montana Neighbor

It's one thing to be the proud holder of a new state fishing record.

It's another thing to be the new record-holder, breaking the previous catch-and-release mark that was held by your spouse. But by all accounts, they appear to still be devoted fishing companions.

The Montana Outdoor Radio Show shared a delightful story from the Idaho Fish and Game about Homedale, Idhao angler Brandi Holt landing a 44-inch flathead catfish. While it's not record-shattering, considering we frequently hear of new records being set by fractions of an inch, a two-inch bump is still pretty good. Ultimately it left no doubt that Brandy has the new state record, edging out her husband’s prior record by two inches.

That's right. Her husband. So, couples who fish together stay together, right? On August 2, perhaps that sentiment got put to the test. Brandi and her husband Jared Holt were hucking bait out into the Snake River late at night when Brandi’s rod tip suddenly bowed towards the water.

As soon as she started cranking on the reel, she felt the unmistakable feeling of a large river monster fighting on the end of the line. Brandi managed to haul the giant flathead catfish aboard the boat where her husband Jared anxiously rolled out the tape measure.

Since September 20, 2020, Jared had held the catch-and-release state record for the same exact species Brandi was now putting next to the tape. Brandi says, “I was hesitant to even submit the record. My husband puts in so much time and effort all year trying to beat his own personal best, and it was really his encouragement that convinced me to go ahead and send it in.”

Flathead catfish can be found in the Snake River and associated reservoirs in southwest Idaho. They can also be found occasionally in lower reaches of tributaries and can reach some surprising sizes, making them a great trophy opportunity.

Just ask Brandi and Jared!