Overall Alton Catfish Classic winners Chris Stout and Hunter Jones show off their largest fish, weighing in at 100.3 pounds, that was caught during the Illinois fishing tournament on the Mississippi Sept. 7 .

Reeling in a 100-pound fish might sound like a tall tale, but for two anglers who competed in an Illinois fishing tournament Sept. 7, it became a reality.

Alton Catfish Classic teammates Chris Stout and Hunter Jones pulled a 100.03-pound blue catfish from the Mississippi River, cementing their place as champions in the annual competition and netting themselves $21,500 in cash prizes.

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Held along the banks of the Mississippi at the Liberty Bank Amphitheater, the event saw 75 teams from across the region unload their catches after a full day on the river. The teams competed for two prizes: the biggest single catfish and the heaviest total weight across three fish. It was the enormous size of some of the day’s catches that left the biggest impression.

Stout, from Tennessee, and Jones, from Missouri, took first place with a combined haul of 172.02 pounds — powered by their single 100-pounder, which was the heaviest fish of the day.

For Stout and Jones, catching a fish this large was a moment of triumph in a tournament known for delivering big results. Landing a fish of this size takes both skill and patience.

“It’s an adrenaline rush, a fight from start to finish,” Jones told the Alton Telegraph. “There’s nothing quite like feeling that weight on the line, knowing you’ve hooked a true giant.”

Though the spotlight shined on their massive catch, other participants also hauled in impressive catfish. Chad McGinnis, from Crossville, Tennessee, reeled in a 35-pounder, while Illinois native Caleb Shepard delighted the crowd with his 30-pound catch, pulled in early that morning.

“When something that big bites, it startles you,” said Shepard, describing the experience of battling with his fish. “You don’t feel anything at first, and then suddenly you know something huge is on the line. It’s an unforgettable moment.”

Even the smaller catches of the day amazed participants and spectators alike. Ashley Berry, originally from Alton, now living in Vandalia, Illinois, brought in three catfish with her team, including a respectable 12-pounder. For Berry, it’s not just about size but the thrill of the unknown.

“You never know how big it’s going to be until you pull it in,” she said. “I’ve caught a 67-pounder from this river before, and that’s what keeps me coming back—the chance to pull in a monster.”

The Mississippi River, with its wide waters and abundance of blue catfish, is a well-known hotspot for anglers seeking giant catfish. Bluff City Outdoors in Alton, the host of the event, draws participants from far and wide, all hoping for their shot at a personal record.

“You’ve got three major rivers coming together here, and that’s perfect blue catfish habitat,” said Mark McMurray, owner of Bluff City Outdoors. “These fish thrive in big water, and every year we see some real giants.”

Last year, teammates Kaleb McAdams of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; Dave Shipman of Corinth, Mississippi; and Chris Baker of Columbia, Missouri landed Alton Catfish Classic’s largest-ever fish weighing 106.23 pounds . This makes Stout and Jones' fish this year the second-largest landed in the tournament.

After the weigh-in, all the fish, including the 100-pound beast, were returned safely to the river. Events like the Alton Catfish Classic aren’t just about the competition — they’re about preserving the experience for future generations of anglers. Some anglers opt to order replica mounts of their giant catches.

For anyone with dreams of hauling in a catfish that’s bigger than their fishing gear, the Mississippi River continues to prove itself as one of the best places to chase that once-in-a-lifetime catch.