Bass tackle accidentally produced a couple of lunker catfish this week at Elephant Butte Reservoir near Truth or Consequences, N.M.
Dean Leavengood of Elephant Butte caught and released a 40-inch blue catfish estimated to weigh between 40- and 50-pounds Nov. 6. He was using a 4-inch black and purple flake green pumpkin tube.
Kelly McKee and his son Forest of Las Cruces, caught and released a 46-inch flathead catfish estimated at over 50- pounds Nov. 4. He was using an 1/8-ounce jig with a 4-inch Gulp Alive minnow on medium light tackle.
The New Mexico state record for blue cats is 78 pounds, for a fish just under 48 inches long. Some of the best fishing is reportedly directly below the dam on the Rio Grande.