Days later, on August 3, 2001, Charles Ashley Jr., fishing across the river in Arkansas, boats a 116-pound, 12-ounce blue cat, a new all-tackle world record. When news of Ashley's catch hits the streets, the veracity of the first story no longer is questioned. Without doubt, a catfish that size could eat 10-pounders for appetizers.

The fact of the matter is that the captain's "catfish-eats-catfish" story never was doubted by local anglers. The Mississippi River along Arkansas' eastern border has churned out giant catfish since settlement, including several monsters during the past decade. Trotliners and netters landed at least four 100-pound-plus blues - a 116.5-pounder in 1995, a 102-pounder in 1999, a 121-pounder in 2000 and a 127-pounder in 2001. In 1995, a 96-pound Arkansas rod-and-reel record was caught. Aficionados insist that 150-pounders inhabit the river. For such fish, 20-pound cats would be snacks.

The Mississippi harbors giant flatheads, too. Twenty- to 40-pounders are common as costume jewelry at a flea market, and 50- to 70-pounders are caught daily in summer. Channels are also abundant. Dozens up to 15 pounds maybe caught in one night.

Fishing anywhere on the river from Blytheville to Eudora could produce the catch of a lifetime. Giant cats hold near structure such as channel drop-offs, humps, holes, outside bends and logjams. Proven hotspots include the Memphis/West Memphis stretch (site of Ashley's catch) and downstream confluences with large tributaries such as the St. Francis, White and Arkansas rivers.

Use extreme caution on the dangerous and unpredictable Mississippi. Barge traffic is heavy; floating debris rips motors from transoms and capsizes the foolhardy. Show respect, or the river will eat you. Use a large boat and reliable motor. Wear a personal flotation device; have a kill switch.

Access areas are scarce. Locals typically fish several miles and then return to their launch site. Arkansas landings include Sans Souci near Osceola, 8th Street in West Memphis, Peters Island in Lee County, St. Francis north of Helena, and Panther Forest north of Lake City. The Arkansas Outdoor Atlas shows all. For guided catfishing, get in touch with Mississippi River Guide Service, (901) 383-8674, www.bigcatfishing.com.

No doubt the "bigness" of the Mississippi intimidates many would-be visitors. Rod-and-reel anglers rarely fish this premier hotspot for gigantic cats. For anglers seeking the catfish of a lifetime, however - perhaps even a new world record - no body of water offers more than this hallowed river. A float on the "Father of Waters" truly is incomparable.

Scores of 30- to 60-pound Conway flatheads are taken every year, some by anglers fishing for other species, some on trotlines, a few by rod-and-reel anglers who enjoy the challenge of battling big cats in heavy timber. Serious local catmen believe that 100-pounders swim here, but the dense timber makes it almost impossible to land one. Small live sunfish are the leading bait choice.

Because most Conway flathead aficionados are secretive about the locations of their favored honeyholes, it can be hard for a first-timer to identify an area harboring big flatheads. The best way to do this is to obtain a map of the lake from one of the local docks showing the location of old lakes inundated when Conway was filled. Flatheads prefer the sanctuary these deep areas offer. Adams Lake, Greens Lake, Cub Pond, Round Pond, Gold Lake, Goose Pond and Holt's Lake are all excellent locations for placing a trotline or bait-fishing with rod and reel.

Blue cats and channel cats also thrive here, primarily from stockings by the AGFC. Trophy catches aren't common (the only reason Conway didn't receive an A grade), but there are plenty of eating-size cats that won't turn a nose up at offerings ranging from commercial stink baits and night crawlers to cut shad and chicken liver.

Lake Conway lies just off Interstate I-40, three miles south of Conway in Faulkner County. A dozen or so lakeside bait shops (the number fluctuates) provide fishing supplies, boat and motor rentals, picnic grounds, camping areas and restaurants. There are numerous boat ramps from which anglers can launch at no charge or for a small fee. Motels and restaurants are available in Conway.

Exit 135 (Mayflower) on Interstate 40 offers access by way of Arkansas Highway 365 to docks on the west side of the lake, or Arkansas Highway 89 and Clinton Road to docks on the east side. The upper lake can be reached by roads branching off Arkansas Highway 286. Signs mark access routes on major roads. For a map and additional information, log on to the AGFC's Web site, www. agfc.com.

To maximize catfishing time, you might stay at a state park on Catherine, DeGray or Ouachita. All offer excellent bank-fishing areas, full-service marinas with boat rentals, bait and other fishing needs, and beautiful campgrounds, cabins and/or lodges. Lake Hamilton, which lies partially within the city limits of Hot Springs, has numerous lakeside resorts with first-class accommodations. Many are set up to cater to those interested in the area's excellent fishing.

Catfishing on all these lakes is excellent in summer. Fish at night, if you can - that's when catfish are most active. You'll usually find cats near cover and structure in fairly shallow water. Good channel cat baits available at most local bait shops include live crawfish, night crawlers and minnows. Big shiner minnows sliced for cut bait are a first-rate enticement for big blues. Flatheads rarely overlook a freshly caught bluegill presented near dense cover.

The Hot Springs Convention and Visitor's Bureau can provide all the information you'll need to plan a fishing vacation here. Call them at 1-800-543-2284.

(Editor's Note: Keith Sutton is the author of Fishing for Catfish, $22.00, and Fishing Arkansas: A Year-round Guide to Angling Adventures in the Natural State, $28.25. To order autographed copies, send check or money order to C & C Outdoors, 15601 Mountain Dr., Alexander, AR 72002. Arkansas residents should add sales tax. For credit card orders and more information, log on to www. ccoutdoors.com.)