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"The impact of invasive species cannot be underestimated, nor can we delay action to address the damage they are causing."

Jones’ blue catfish state record is one that the Department of Natural Resources is hoping anglers will try to break – and in the process of attempting to do so, help the overall ecosystem by removing large blue catfish from the water.

Blue catfish grow to large sizes, are tasty to eat and can be easily caught in the majority of Maryland’s rivers — the problem is they’re considered invasive, locally, and are a threat to other native fish and aquatic life.

The first catch of the afternoon was a white catfish—saved by its wider head and a few less anal fin rays, and tossed back into the water.

Since their introduction in the 1970s, invasive blue catfish have exploded throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, concerning biologists and exciting anglers.