It turns out it wasn’t a catfish, though, but rather a longnose gar. And it was a big one — 48 pounds, 1 ounce! Someone who saw the catch tipped him off it could be a record. Henson got in touch with the MDWFP, who confirmed it beat the previous state record of 40 pounds. The MDWFP said it also set a new high mark — by 34 pounds — in the “unlimited line class” category of world and national freshwater angling. The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame bestowed upon Henson a World Record Fish certificate in January