Effects of 2003 law credited for boatload of heavyweight catfish

In 2003, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission passed a controversial law limiting recreational anglers to one catfish per day that measures 34 inches or more.

The idea was to protect more large fish, allowing them to live long enough to reach true trophy status.

Brighton resident Roger Willey says the law is working -- and he has the stats to back up his claims. It's proof that the 34-inch regulation is working", says Roger Willey of Brighton, who caught this giant blue catfish last month from a stretch of the Mississippi River just north of Memphis. The fish weighed 73 pounds and is his career best.
Since March, Willey's eight largest fish from the Mississippi River have averaged an incredible 56 pounds. The list included a 62-pounder, a 60-pounder, a 59-pounder and a 73-pounder that is his personal best.

Coincidence? He doesn't think so.