All those old-timer stories about hidden giants lurking within Florida's waterways seem to contain a little more truth this year after an angler hauled up a blue catfish so big it officially shattered the state record.

This massive fish, pulled from the depths of the Suwannee River in February, tipped the scales at an incredible 73.6 pounds. This week, the state's Fish and Wildlife Commission officially certified it as a new record, smashing the previous 69.5-pound high spot that lasted for over a decade.

It's likely that a behemoth like this patrolled the river bottom for over 30 years. To navigate the murky depths of the Suwannee, the fish relied on a biological superpower — a sensory network of millions of taste buds covering its entire body. These effectively make the catfish a "swimming tongue," allowing it to find food and thrive in environments where other fish might struggle to survive.

If you're getting ready to do some fishing this summer, this new champion-sized fish just might give you a little inspiration. After all, who knows when the next record-setting fish will be caught.