By AP/KWMU
Kansas City, KS – The 124-pound blue catfish that was caught this weekend in the Mississippi River died on its way to its new home.
The fish was to live at a Cabela's Outfitter store in Kansas City, Kan.
Tim Pruitt of Godfrey, Ill. caught the fish early Sunday near Alton. It measured 58 inches long and 44 inches around.
Fred Cronin, with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, says he's baffled by the catfish's death, saying precautions were taken to see that the fish was comfortable. He says the stress of being transported mighthave been too much.
To replace their prize, Cabela's Outfitter plans to have two replica mounts made.