World's biggest Wels catfish caught by fisherman Copyright © Thinkstock A fisherman in Italy has caught the largest ever freshwater catch in Europe and the biggest Wels catfish in the world. The catfish weighed in at just over 113 kg (17.8 stones) and measured 2.5m (8.2') and was caught in the River Po at Mantova, northern Italy by angler Roberto Godi . The massive fish took 45 minutes to land using a bait of bream. The catfish was photographed and then returned to the water unharmed. Simon Clarke, secretary of the Catfish Conservation Group, believes the fish is probably between 20 and 30 years old and is quoted saying: Simon said: "It is the largest catfish I have seen in 25 years. I think there could be some bigger but not significantly. "It is feasible for this fish to reach 300lbs but no more than that. I have never seen pictures of anything bigger. "Once these fish get over 100lbs it becomes a physical battle as they become more powerful than you. It is a fantastic achievement." Roberto has submitted his catch to the International Game Fishing Association, which is expected to confirm it as a record. Mr Godi’s catch breaks the previous European record of Wels catfish caught in Spain’s River Ebro by French angler Christophe Dubreuil that weighed 246lbs 14oz. Interestingly, prior to this, the record for Wels catfish was for a catfish caught in 2009 in the River Po again and weighing just 3kg less. The IGFA are keen to emphasise that a number of checks need to be carried out before this record is verified. Published: Nicolette Craig Wednesday 30 June 2010, 9:47 am Views: 4,020 times |
