Fisherman wrangles massive catfish in downtown Wichita

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – A fish frenzy on social media after a fisherman nabbed a massive flathead catfish from downtown Wichita on Monday.

Kansas holds the United States record for a 123-pound flathead catfish caught at the Elk Reservoir nearly 30 years ago. However, finding this big one in the downtown area isn't common.

Keith Severns said he spent four nights in the heart of downtown Wichita trying to catch something. Finally, early Monday morning, he wrangled the fish, which he estimated to be around 40 pounds. Casting a line of anticipation.

"My dedication did pay off. Patience is a virtue," said Severns.

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He said three days of strong rainfall over this past weekend created an opportunity. It raised the levels of the Arkansas River, which had been low for city maintenance.

"I told my friends, they're like, 'You're crazy! You have to work tomorrow!' I'm like, 'I just feel it!' finally, at 1:30 a.m., I heard that sound," said Severns.

His fishing line tightened. Severns knew he had been right, and he was now hooked in for a wild ride.

"I fought that beast. He took me in that current for one heck of a battle downriver," he said.

According to his estimate, the catfish was nearly 40 pounds. He knew he had to call and wake his son to help document it. Severns said he has climbed the ladder of fish to now find love in fishing flatheads. He told KSN News he'd caught catfish double the size of this one.

"He woke up, and I said, you've got to come down to the river and get a shot of this fish," said Severns.

Tackling the beast, he released the fish back into the river, hoping it would get even bigger.

"I like to let those big fish go back. I feel like they've defied countless hooks, countless odds their whole life, to make it to that status, to those proportions, I give them the respect to go out and live to the rest of their potential," said Severns.

Severns said catfish normally don't get that big in the downtown strip of the river. He did let KSN in on a little knowledge. If you want to try and catch a bigger one, they may be near the fish ladder at Lincoln Street Dam.