We at Oklahoma Catfish Charter Service are now involved in Blue Catfish research in conjunction with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Anyone who would like to contribute data or specimens caught anywhere on the Arkansas River is encouraged to participate. Additionally, data is requested as is available from blue catfish caught in various Oklahoma Lakes.
The first item requested for research is the frozen head of blue catfish for age determination. Each head must be accompanied by data including the length, weight, and location of the catch (L&D 15 for example).
The ODWC will pick up the head and data after you request pickup from Jeff Boxrucker, ODWC Chief Biologist. "Boxrucker, Jeff" <jboxrucker@odwc.state.ok.us>
Please keep a record of the length, weight, and location of catch for your own records, and forward a copy to bluecatresearch@okcharters.com
Every verified record received by the end of April, 2006 will receive a chance to win a set of Driftmaster Rod Holders.
Results from specimens submitted on 27 April, 2006:
Age
Length (in)
Weight (lbs)
Length (mm)
Weight (g)
Sex
13
26
9.38
660
4256
13
28.25
7
718
3178
M
13
24
5.25
610
2384
16
35
21.25
889
9648
F
16
36
29.44
914
13365
F
17
30
14.19
762
6441
M
20
39
30.19
991
13705
21
26
7.06
660
3206
F
Albert, we aged the otoliths from the catfish heads that you sent us (see above). I was expecting growth rates in the river to be higher than those that we see in the lakes. Although we need more fish to have a good sample, it looks like these fish are not growing any faster than those for the reservoir populations that we see. We appreciate your help in collecting these fish and could use some more. Jeff
