In 2017, Luke Strobbe made waves at Houston Lake by catching an enormous 40 to 50-pound catfish—one of the biggest ever pulled from our waters. Known for his commitment to catch and release, Luke let the giant fish go, keeping the lake’s fishing ecosystem thriving and leaving behind a story that would only grow in size.

Fast forward to 2023, when Luke hooked what seemed to be a slightly larger catfish. Some say it was the same fish, now grown even larger, making its return. Locals are starting to believe this massive catfish might have a few more tricks up its sleeve, with many joking that it’s a catfish with nine lives—and still survives to this day in the depths of Houston Lake.

As the legend grows, the catfish has become a symbol of Houston Lake’s thriving wildlife and the incredible surprises it holds.

Who knows—maybe the next time someone reels in this legendary catfish (Goliath? Hercules? Houdini?), it’ll be you. Keep your lines in the water—there’s always another great catch waiting in Houston Lake!