Anglers across Arkansas have a special reason to grab their fishing gear this week. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s (AGFC) Family and Community Fishing Program (FCFP) locations are being stocked with an impressive bounty of catfish, including some truly massive catches, thanks to a generous donation from Baxter Land Company Fish Farm in Desha County.
Thousands of blue catfish, ranging in size from 5 to a whopping 45 pounds, are being delivered to community fishing ponds statewide. In total, the donation is expected to exceed 20,000 pounds of fish.
Dick Baxter, recently named Arkansas Catfish Farmer of the Year by The Catfish Institute, is the man behind the contribution. “The biggest one I’ve seen so far is about 45 pounds, and I wish I could be there when some kid hooks into that fish and has the time of their life,” Baxter said.
Originally raised for spawning ponds, the fish have outgrown the ideal size for commercial sale but remain valuable for recreational and conservation purposes. Baxter hopes the donation will inspire a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
“I really just think it’s important to get new people involved in conservation,” he said. “And you have to get people excited about hunting and fishing to do that.”
This marks the fifth time Baxter has donated fish to the AGFC. Jason Miller, AGFC Assistant Chief of Fisheries, praised the ongoing partnership. “These fish could still bring Baxter some good profit, but he’s always had a great relationship with us. These donations give us something that we don’t provide through our hatcheries,” Miller said.
Clint Coleman, Assistant Coordinator for the FCFP, told Deltaplex News how appreciative they are for the donation
He recommends bringing a dip net and stronger gear when heading out. Baxter offered his own tips for landing one of the giants: “Be sure you have at least 20-pound-test fishing line and a 3/0 circle hook. Suspend the bait about a foot under a bobber and make sure the drag on the reel is loose. Bring a kid and get ready to have a great time.”
To find a Family and Community Fishing Program pond near you, visit AGFC’s website.
