Angler reels in record-breaking Blue Catfish

By Jeff Barnes
Helix Water District

An East County fisherman made a landmark catch at Lake Jennings just before sunset on Sunday, October 31, 2004. Rick Guseman caught a 68 lb. Blue Catfish, the largest fish caught in Lake Jennings’ history.

"It was an extremely healthy and vibrant fish,” Guseman said. “He was a really strong fish.”

The Lakeside resident said it took 45 minutes to pull the 55-inch fish into the boat. Guseman didn’t realize he had reeled in a new record until he met Ranger, Hugh Marx at the boat dock. The fish was released Monday morning after photographs were taken.

Guseman’s catch is under the state record of 101 lbs. and the world record of 121 lbs., but he’s confident Lake Jennings is home to world record-breaking fish.

“If I had to pick a lake to fish for a world record it’d be this lake,” Guseman proclaimed. “I think this lake is one of the best kept secrets!”

Moments before Guseman caught the 68 lb. Blue Catfish, he said he came very close to bringing in a 66-inch Blue Catfish, which could have been competitive to the world record. Guseman said the one that got away was so large and strong that it broke his net, making it more difficult to catch the 68 pounder. Guseman said he’s reeled in several Blue Catfish weighing in at more than 80 lbs. during his fishing career, but he’s focused on a high goal. The avid fisherman plans to repair his net and return to the lake soon to make a cast at the world record.

“I need to get a bigger net if I’m going to fish at Lake Jennings,” Guseman said. “I’ve seen very large Blue Catfish and Bass in this lake.”

Guseman has been fishing at Lake Jennings since the 1970s and believes the lake could also be home to some record-breaking Channel Catfish and Bass. He admits catching the big ones takes a lot of time and skill. For every Blue Catfish he catches, Guseman estimates he spends 21 hours of fishing. His lucky bait? Fresh sardines!