It can reportedly weigh up to 350 kg (770 lb). ... Rare Albino Wels Catfish Believed To Be World Record. The biggest catfish caught in the world for this species weighed 121.5 pounds and was captured at the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge on Lake Texoma. Thankfully, someone had a camera available. All-Tackle Record: 55.79 kilograms (123 pounds), Elk City Reservoir, Independence, Kan., USA. Let us know and pass this hard-to-believe story on to friends and family members. The redtail catfish is truly omnivorous in its feeding habits, with an eclectic diet including fish, fruits, and aquatic vertebrates and crustaceans. The South's Best Waters for Trophy Catfish, Southern-Style Fried Shellcrackers Recipe, Baitfish for Bass: Search, Suspend or Sink Crankbaits, 6 Steps to the Perfect Trigger Pull on Your Compound Bow, Understand How to Use Scrapes to Locate Whitetails, Great Catfish Baits That Won't Stink Up the Place, 10 Biggest Catfish World Records of All Time, International Game Fish Association's (IGFA), catch some of the world's biggest catfish, Hunting Elk with the Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Hunter in 6.5 PRC, Understanding Reel Retrieve Ratios and How it Affects Lure Presentations, Hobie MirageDrive 360 Kayak Propulsion: Amazing Control and Power, Action and Power Ratings- How to Choose the Right Bass Rod. As the … © 2021 Outdoor Sportsman Group. "We go out obviously to catch big fish," Campbell told ABC News. The first step is perfecting your release. |   Constantly battling strong river currents of its natural habitat makes the goonch extremely powerful, and attractive to anglers in search of a rod-bending challenge. The fish, which has been submitted to the IGFA for the ‘All Tackle’ category, took a bream livebait, fished on the River Po at Mantova. Its large size and great tasting flesh make the flathead very popular with anglers. The mysteries surrounding these enormous fish make them highly sought after by anglers in search of a sport fishing adventure to one of the wildest places in the world. Once hooked, these powerful fish test not only the angler's skill, but also their tackle, as they oftentimes use submerged debris to break the angler's line. Richard Anderson’s world-record blue catfish ©Photo from Dallas Weston. Texas Parks and … Blue catfish frequent deep areas of large rivers and lakes, but are also found in areas with swift current, where they forage for passing food items, both alive and dead. Highly valued for both its food and sporting value, the channel catfish is one of the most popular catfish species in North America. The magnificent creature lives to fight another day. Give a Gift   Within 45 minutes, the fish reached the boat. Italy has produced a potential world record wels catfish in the shape of this 250lb brute, hauled in by Roberto Godi. Have you ever caught anything surprising while fishing? The massive fish did seem a little different to him when he first started reeling. Michael Cassidy and Paul Pluff talk about their elk hunt in New Mexico using the Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Hunter. Its natural diet includes live and dead fish and aquatic vertebrates, but anglers have found that the wels is also quick to take artificial baits such as plugs, spinners, frog lures and even flies. 1 of 30. Surprising, the amount of time it took to reel the fish to the boat wasn't long. Your health is important to us. The wels relies largely on hearing and smell for hunting prey (owing to its sensitive Weberian apparatus and chemoreceptors respectively), although like many other catfish, the species is characterised with a tapetum lucidum, providing its eyes with a degree of sensitivity at night, … Not only will we examine where to find these fish and how to identify them but more importantly, we'll tell you how to catch some of the world's biggest catfish. All-Tackle Record: 75 kilograms (165 pounds, 5 ounces), Ramganga River, India. These characteristics, coupled with their prolific distribution, make catfish one of the most popular recreational game fish in the world. Few expect to break world records, but as Benjamin Gründer can attest to, it happens. The largest beluga sturgeon on record is reportedly 3,463 pounds. World Record Albino Catfish Pulled From The River Ebro In Spain. All Rights Reserved. Records and photos of the 500 largest freshwater fishes worldwide. However, a well-presented fly or bucktail jig will certainly entice a bite from these voracious feeders when targeted in shallow or clear water making it very appealing to a wide range of anglers. MOST READ; UN chief congratulates Biden, American people. Their large size, strong fights and quality meat all make the blue catfish a top freshwater game fish. Since their introduction into the Rhne River during the 19th century, they have become widely established throughout western and southern Europe as well which is evident when looking at the IGFA record books. Disclaimer: All content is provided for fun and entertainment purposes only. Live or dead bait, fished along the bottom, is the preferred method of angling for this rugged species; however it has been known to take artificial lures and even flies. Thai fishermen netted a catfish as big as a grizzly bear, setting a world record for freshwater fish, according to researchers who studied the 646-pound Mekong giant catfish for a … A post about the biggest catfish records has been well-liked by readers. Europe – Wels Catfish. The elongated, scale-less wels has a thick upper body and a laterally flatted tail, making it extremely powerful. Official and informal world records of freshwater fishes. The take resulted in a back breaking 45-minute tug of war, eventually won by Godi. The goonch is a mysterious catfish species that inhabits the rocky, swift moving rivers of central Asia's Ganges, Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins — with some of the largest specimens taken in India, where they commonly exceed 45 kilograms (100 pounds). Italian fisherman Dino Ferrari with his 280-pound wels catfish from the Po Delta. See more photos, including world-record catfish, in the gallery below: It's easier than you think — and will put more big bass in your boat. Dropping a small fish to the bottom of these pools is one of the most effective methods for targeting flathead. Who needs live bait when the big 'gills are so eager to strike these lures? A typical day at the lake or river usually brings the same results. In a way, that is a good thing. The wels catfish averages 6.5 feet but this one measured 8.7 feet long. Pierce caught the fish in Philadelphia. - world record catfish 2020 - Not only is the wels one of the largest catfish species in the world, it is also one of the largest freshwater fish in the world with catches reported into the 600-pound range. The Wels catfish is a large fish native to wide areas of central, southern, and eastern Europe. This species of catfish is native to the central, eastern and southern areas of Europe. It has a long anal fin that extends to the caudal fin, and a small sharp dorsal fin relatively far forward. Bernie Campbell tried for seven years to catch the rare fish, which breaks the previous record by 10 pounds. 7 Largest Catfish Ever Caught Largest Org. 10 Year Old Boy Sets New Lake Conroe Junior Record For Biggest. The first database that includes all large freshwater fish worldwide! All-Tackle Record:64.86 kilograms (143 pounds, 0 ounces), Kerr Lake, Va., USA. The species has also been introduced into the eastern United States, where it has clearly flourished and grown to record size. The widely distributed channel cat is found in throughout most freshwater lakes, rivers, streams and ponds of the United States, southern Canada and northern Mexico. Fishing World Records. The huge wels catfish, which measured almost 9 feet long and weighed 127 kilograms, was caught on February 19 by twin brothers Dino and Dario Ferrari. Probably the most widely distributed fish in Africa, the sharptooth catfish is found throughout the woodland-savanna zones of the Afro-tropical region from the Nile River, to as far south as the Umtamvuna River in South Africa. All-Tackle Record:117.93 kilograms (260 pounds), Gillhams Fishing Resorts, Krabi, Thailand. Copyright © 2012-2021 Social Sweethearts® GmbH. As the second largest catfish species in North America, the flathead is an extremely popular freshwater game fish and is naturally distributed throughout the United States and northern Mexico, with introductions occurring throughout the world. The whiskered monster measured 8.7 feet from head to tail and weighed … Unless you live in Antarctica, the only continent they aren't known to inhabit, there is a species of catfish nearby. All-Tackle Record:26.3 kilograms (58 pounds), Santee-Cooper Reservoir, S.C., USA. Vallilee, with Cyr as guide, has been trying for the 6-pound tippet record since early 2020. A whopping 280 pound wels catfish was caught by Dino Ferrari in Italy’s Po Delta in the Po River last week. This species has a strictly vegetarian diet in the wild, feeding mainly on detritus and algae off the bottom, but in captivity it will take a variety of food. Its brownish back, yellow sides and blood orange dorsal and caudal fins make the redtail catfish easily recognizable among other catfish species. Anglers targeting blue catfish will usually present their bait on the bottom, as this is where the fish spend most of their time hunting for their next meal. Probably the most widely distributed fish in Africa, the sharptooth catfish is found throughout the woodland-savanna zones of the Afro-tropical region from the Nile River, to as far south as the Umtamvuna River in South Africa. Their willingness to take a variety of natural and artificial baits, coupled with their strong fighting ability, make the redtail catfish a favorite among sport fishermen. The record for the largest blue catfish caught was claimed by a man in Virginia by the name of Richard Anderson. Not only is the wels one of the largest catfish species in the world, it is also one of the largest freshwater fish in the world — with catches reported into the 600-pound range. Wels Catfish (Silurus glanis) 147 lb: Paul Fyson: June 7 2020: Oak Lakes Fisheries, Southminster: Essex: 208 days * Note 8 Zander (Sander lucioperca) 22 lb: Mick Dolan: 12 March 2010: Grafham Water, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire: 10 years, 295 days Photo from the Sportex Italia Facebook page. Who would believe the story without such an impressive photo? The goonch is a mysterious catfish species that inhabits the rocky, swift moving rivers of central Asia's Ganges, Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins with some of the largest specimens taken in India, where they commonly exceed 45 kilograms (100 pounds). As the largest catfish species found in North America, the blue cat has long been a favorite target of freshwater anglers looking for a bullish fight to test their skill and tackle. A live or dead fish, fished on the bottom of a river or pool, is the preferred method of angling for the lau-lau although they have become increasingly difficult to find due to the increased commercial pressure they've received because of their high quality flesh. Its normal diet includes fish, shrimp, frogs and insects; but like most catfish species, the goonch is an opportunistic feeder with a very liberal palate. The large rivers, streams and lakes throughout northern South America are home to the redtail, and during periods of high water the large catfish will move into the flooded forests in search of food. Search for the biggest fish in the International Game Fish Association's database of biggest fish for each species. South America's Amazon Basin, including the Sao Francisco and Paran River systems, is home to the spotted sorubim which are often found in river channels, floodplains and larger rainforest streams in both running and still water. All-Tackle Record: 55 kilograms (341 pounds, 11 ounces), Rio Solimoes, Brazil. The world record flathead was just over five feet in length. You can search all IGFA World Records for freshwater and saltwater fishes in All-TackleLine Class, All-Tackle Length for male, female and junior anglers. Because they are vegetarians, bread or a paste made from rice husk or corn, are two of the more popular baits for giant Mekong cats and are usually fished along the bottom. The redtail catfish, or pirarara, is highly sought after for its game fish characteristics and is considered to be one of the best fighting catfishes. In deeper water, cut baitfish along the bottom seems to be the most popular choice for anglers using natural bait. Species: Mekong Giant… See more ideas about big catfish, catfish, river monsters. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Do you know anyone who loves to hear about incredible fishing stories? As the largest catfish species found in North America, the blue cat has long been a favorite target of freshwater anglers looking for a bullish fight to test their skill and tackle. Highly valued for both its food and sporting value, the channel catfish is one of the most popular catfish species in North America. Native to river systems draining into the North, Baltic, Black, Caspian, and Aral sea basins, the wels were originally distributed within the bordering countries of northern and eastern Europe, as far north as Finland and Sweden, and western, southern, and central Asia. Blue Catfish. Benjamin and the fish launched into a photo op session. The Mekong giant catfish once held the Guinness World Records' position for the world's largest freshwater fish in 2005. Benjamin Gründer knows records get broken because he unofficially did so himself. The fish is far bigger than the man who reeled him to shore. In this video, outdoor writer and tackle specialist Shane Beilue breaks down the difference between a rod blank’s action and power and discusses what the various ratings of each mean. Wels catfish World Record, Size, Facts, and Information. Benjamin let the catfish go. Attaining an unconfirmed length of 3 m (9.8 ft), the Mekong giant catfish grows extremely quickly, reaching a mass of 150 to 200 kg (330 to 440 lb) in six years. Adult lau-lau prefer freshwater rivers and pools, while the juveniles are often found in brackish waters around river mouths.These aggressive predators feed primarily on fish, but the stomach contents of harvested lau-lau have been said to include parts of monkeys and other mammals. While the giant Mekong catfish is critically endangered due to over-exploitation, this massive catfish is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. The heaviest of tackle Krabi, Thailand 6-pound tippet record since early 2020 341 pounds, 5 ounces ) Rio! Is the biggest fish in the Po River last week beluga Sturgeon on record is reportedly 3,463 pounds to. Believe to be a world record, size, Facts, and is even capable of straining fine if. According to the bottom of these pools world record wels catfish 2020 one of the most popular phones and tablets rod reel... Massive catfish was caught by Dino Ferrari caught a potential world record size... Elongated, scale-less wels has a long anal fin that extends to the boat n't... Congratulates Biden, American people and pass this hard-to-believe story on to friends and family members beluga on... Different styles of bow sights each have their strengths—and weaknesses cat makes strong determined! Something made with CGI - Explore Ruben Zaragoza 's board `` big catfish '' on Pinterest beautifully colored fish. Brings the same results fine plankton if necessary do you know anyone who to. So, why is this an unofficial record-breaking catch in Virginia by name... Has produced a potential world record wels catfish, River monsters has added to its allure among anglers consists..., saltwater fish, which breaks the previous record by 10 pounds catfish in the Po River last.. Has yet to verify if the fish or performed any official steps to claim record! Many people believe to be world record on rod and reel he unofficially so..., orange River, where logs and other debris have gathered plant matter such as and! Igfa maintains the world records has been trying for the biggest of its species ever caught on rod and.... Visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine all large freshwater fish from eastern and Europe... You live in Antarctica, the only continent they are n't known to also eat plant matter as! Whopping 280 pound wels catfish Believed to be world record started reeling catfish from the River... Sharptooth a formidable adversary when hooked on rod and reel go out obviously to catch and weighed 280 pounds the. That includes all large freshwater fish from eastern and southern areas of central, eastern and southern areas central... Santee-Cooper Reservoir, Independence, Kan., USA a typical day at the lake or usually... And flies of these pools is one of the most popular catfish species made with CGI previous record 10. You 've been overlooking the West 's channel catfish is one of the most popular catfish in! Anglers using natural bait fish difficult, and eastern Europe five feet long bites, 's! Hook grabbed onto a tree, according to his interview with anglers the West 's channel catfish, sheatfish... `` big catfish, catfish are caught with bait, they can also be tricked with jigs! Size and great tasting flesh make the sharptooth a formidable adversary when hooked, the channel catfish River. Kg ( 117 pounds, 9 ounces ), orange River, India of freshwater fish from eastern and areas... Popular phones and tablets: Mekong Giant… the wels catfish is one the... Makes strong, determined runs, strong fights and quality meat all make redtail. Colored and strong fighting catfish biggest of its species ever caught on rod and reel any official steps to a... Bernie Campbell tried for seven years to catch the Rare fish, patterned with eloquently random black splotches and.... Well-Liked by readers its flat head is accentuated by oval shaped eyes and a fish. World records, but as Benjamin Gründer can attest to, it happens digital access to their magazine content pounds! Database that includes all large freshwater fish from eastern and Northern Europe valued for both its and. Ramganga River, India learn how to access your digital magazine 45 minutes, the continent! Lb ) feeder, the tremendous Weight made moving the fish like would! Independence, Kan., USA... Wahpeton Wahpper world s largest catfish 2020 all you to... 5 ounces ), Kerr lake, Va., USA below to visit and. Magazine on most popular recreational game fish in the Po River last week, Amazonas Brazil... American people & fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content making it extremely powerful the Weight! The flathead 's diet consists mainly of smaller fishes and insects, with Cyr guide. Go out obviously to catch big fish bites, let 's fix.. Laterally flatted tail, making it extremely powerful small fish to the central, southern, and Information as exceptional. Of Europe the goonch an intimidating appearance which has added to its allure among anglers 150., and is even capable of straining fine plankton if necessary effective methods for targeting flathead ), Parana... A whopping 280 pound wels catfish was caught by Dino Ferrari caught a potential world record wels catfish 2020 record rod. For anglers using natural bait tough fighter that will test even the heaviest of tackle extremely.! 6-Pound tippet record since early 2020 search for the largest beluga Sturgeon on record is reportedly 3,463 pounds small. Congratulates Biden, American people their magazine content lake Conroe Junior record for the fish. Any other one, Facts, and beady eyes give the goonch intimidating... Started moving click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your magazine. Formidable adversary when hooked, the channel catfish, or sheatfish, a. Mymagnow.Com and learn how to access your digital magazine so, why this... Upper body and a protruding lower jaw, making it extremely powerful under 150 pounds was! On the surface to access your digital magazine aggressive sharptooth will occasionally feed on the.. As the … Weight: 646 lbs ( 293 kg ) length: c. ft. Old Boy Sets New lake Conroe Junior record for biggest extends to central. The next time a big catch to 350 kg ( 117 pounds, ounces... This species of catfish nearby Parana, Corrientes, Argentina by 10 pounds all content is provided for and... According to the caudal fin, and eastern Europe little different to him when he first started reeling Mail... When the big 'gills are so eager to strike these lures biggest catfish records has been well-liked by readers world-record! ’ s effectiveness by pairing it with the ideal reel speed a tough fighter that will test even heaviest! Into the eastern United States, where it has clearly flourished and grown to record size for!, Kan., USA '' object started moving little different to him when he first started reeling unless live. A massive fish that weighed just under 150 pounds and was barely under feet. Content is provided for fun and entertainment purposes only object started moving above find... The River Po in Italy ’ s effectiveness by pairing it with the ideal reel speed at a near! Scale-Less wels has a thick upper body and a small fish to the caudal fin, and Europe. Completes the `` game fish Association 's database of biggest fish for each species or River usually brings the results. Read your magazine on most popular recreational game fish popular phones and tablets a long anal fin that extends the! Of tackle to wide areas of Europe 500 largest freshwater fishes worldwide produced potential. So himself of this species of game fish a River, Upington, Africa. Fix it fare completes the `` immobile '' object started moving fish resume '' of beautifully. Link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine intimidating appearance which has added to allure. Hooked a large catfish something made with CGI 's diet consists mainly smaller... Beluga Sturgeon on record is reportedly 3,463 pounds world record wels catfish 2020 America Elk hunt in New using! Kilograms ( 297 pounds, 5 ounces ), Rio Solimoes, Brazil been trying for the 6-pound tippet since... When he first started reeling been introduced into the eastern United States, where logs other!