This whopper holds the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) record title as the largest blue catfish ever caught, and has been the reigning champ since Father’s Day of June 2011.

This beast of a fish was caught off Goat Island in Buggs Island Lake near Clarksville. It took a father and son, Rick and Nick Anderson, nearly 45 minutes to reel him in using an Ugly Stik rod and Shimano fishing reel. The only scale big enough for the official weigh-in was at the Mecklenburg Farm Supply in Chase City, about 15 miles away.

Makes you think: If there’s one record-holding blue catfish lurking in Buggs Island Lake, surely there are more. In fact, as recently as 2017, a near record-breaker blue, weighing
in at 141.75 was caught and released by Dale Lowe, Jr. How big do you think he is
today? Be you a seasoned fisherman or angler ingénue, here are a few tips to get your big fish story started.

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Book a Fishing Charter

Set up a half-day or full-day fishing charter with Bigelow Guide Service or Arthur’s Fishing Guide Service and cast a line for large-mouth bass, striped bass (the only certified lake in Virginia to have a naturally reproducing population), crappie, catfish, and bluegill. These guide services know where to go, what bait to use, and how to help you with your casting skills.

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Launch or Rent a Boat

Have your own ideas about the best fishing spots? Launch a boat–be it motorboat, jet ski, kayak, or canoe–at one of many boat ramps available in the area parks. No boat? No problem. Rent a pontoon or kayak at Clarksville Marina or Clarksville Water Sports and explore the lake from the water. Some of the best spots are on the upper end of the lake and the lower end creek arms.

Good fishing spots to check out:

• Liberty Hill Fishing Access and Trail, 4499 Buggs Island Rd, Boydton, VA 23917
• North Bend Park and Campground, 64 North Bend Drive, Boydton, VA 23917
• Occonocee State Park, 1192 Occoneechee Park Rd., Clarksville, VA 23927
• John H. Kerr Dam Viewpoint, 5460 Buggs Island Rd, Boydton, VA 23917-4008

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Log that World Record

If you do happen to catch the big one, make it official. Visit the IFGA official website for how to submit a world record. Don’t forget to get the official weigh-in over at the Bobcat’s Bait & Tackle in Clarksville. While you’re there, hit up Bobbin Cork for a quick bite. Order a sandwich. You’ll be eating fish for awhile. They will be more than a few folks on their patio who’d love to hear a good fish story.