Monster Fish Caught in Mississippi’s Upper Pearl River

Two local commercial fishermen caught one of the biggest fish of their fishing careers this weekend on the upper Pearl River in Leake County.  Fishermen Michael Pigg and Tony Foster were checking their hoopnets on Sunday, May 5, when an extraordinarily large Smallmouth Buffalo was caught. The fish was 48 inches long and weighed 81.5 pounds. This may not be the only big buffalo that is caught this spring. According to Mr. Pigg, “The Smallmouth Buffalo are spawning, and big fish are in the same area. We may catch an even bigger one.”

Even though this fish is bigger than the current state record Smallmouth Buffalo, 57.8 pounds from Ross Barnett Reservoir in 1983, this 81 pound brute will not be part of the record book. Fish harvested with commercial fishing gear are not eligible for state record status.

For more information regarding fishing in Mississippi, visit our website at www.mdwfp.com/fishing-boating or call us at (601) 432-2212.

Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries and Parks

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), formerly known as the Mississippi Game & Fish Commission, is an agency of the government of the U.S. state ofMississippi responsible for programs protecting Mississippi fish and wildlife resources and their habitats, as well as administering all state parks; it has its headquarters in Jackson. The agency issues hunting and fishing licenses, advises on habitat protection, and sponsors public education programs. It is also responsible for enforcement of Mississippi's fish and game laws. It is separate from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, which is the governing body for the state's natural salt-water resources and law enforcement thereof (i.e. Gulf of Mexico, ocean-going vessels, etc.).