The fish was almost as big as the boy who caught it.
Alex Flores, 9, hauled in a 42-pound blue catfish Sunday evening at the Elephant Butte Reservoir near Las Cruces, New Mexico.
“I was pretty proud of him for being humble about the whole experience. He was excited,” Kris Flores, the fourth grader’s father told ABC-7. “You know, it’s good to see that happen. In a way, I’m kind of sad because he beat me at my own personal record.”
The elder Flores runs a catfishing guide service at Elephant Butte and told ABC-7 that his son has been fishing with him since he was a year old. Alex’s catch was the biggest of the year at that location.
The biggest fish ever caught at Elephant Butte was 78 pounds, according to ABC-7.
The fish, which Alex dubbed Whale Lord, was returned to the reservoir after the pair took photos and video.
