18/10/2025
LEBANON MAN REELS IN 130-POUND CATFISH — AND A GOOD STORY TO GO WITH IT
NEWPORT, KY — Mike Baker of Lebanon, Ohio, went fishing for dinner and nearly ended up being dinner. While casting his line into the Ohio River near Newport, Baker hooked what he thought was “a submerged Volkswagen” — turns out it was a 130-pound blue catfish.
“I thought I was snagged on the bottom,” Baker said. “Then it started swimming away — fast. That’s when I knew I was in trouble.” After a 45-minute tug-of-war that drew a small crowd of cheering spectators, Baker finally hauled in the river monster, nearly toppling into the water in the process.
Baker’s fishing rod reportedly survived, though “barely.” The enormous catfish was weighed, photographed, and then safely released — mostly because, as Baker joked, “I didn’t bring enough tartar sauce.”
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife officials confirmed the fish’s impressive size and congratulated Baker on the catch. “I’ve caught big ones before,” he said, “but this one could’ve swallowed my dog.”
