Took my Ma fishing today. While using a large piece of cutbait trying to catch a blue or flathead catfish, she hooked and landed this absolute unit.

Took her a few minutes to get it in. Helped her land it, measure and weigh it, get the picture, and then safely returned it to the water. She was so excited!

Measured at 22.75 inches. The scale said it came it and right under 5lbs 13oz. I honestly think it felt a bit heavier, but the scale speaks, and humanity abides.

It also had some really cool melanistic spots on the tail and one big one right on its back just in front of its dorsal. You can make out both in the picture.