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Photo by Richard Simms
(l-r) Catfish angler Eric Maurer discusses the finer points of the transfer process with Rob Mottice from the Tennessee Aquarium.
Photo by Richard Simms
Aquariasts use a large seine to slowly herd the fish into a confined space.
Photo by Richard Simms
The 70-pound blue cat was then placed into a specially-designed "stretcher." However the big guy didn't necessarily climb onto the stretcher "willingly."
Photo by Richard Simms
Once on the specially-designed stretcher, the big fish is restrained, preventing further injury. Rob Mottice says, "This is the same process we use when we're moving sharks. That's a lot of fun!"
Photo by Richard Simms
The big blue cat was then moved to a portable tank, sort of a "catfish ambulance," that's used to carry him over to the main Aquarium.
Photo by Richard Simms
Eric Maurer, the angler who caught the fish, had the honor of helping release it into the Nickajack Tank. On release the big fish seemed to glare at Maurer before swimming away.
Photo by Richard Simms
Photo by Richard Simms
With TV cameras rolling, Maurer enjoyed watching the big blue cat "swim free" in the Nickajack Tank. Maurer says he'll probably be making a lot more trips to the Aquarium now.
