In what’s already being called one of the most impressive catches in European freshwater fishing history, two anglers from Poland’s Polish Angling Academy have officially landed what should prove to be a world-record Wels catfish. The massive predator measured 292 centimeters (9.6 feet), beating the previous record of 285 centimeters caught on Italy’s River Po in 2023.
The fish was hooked and landed during a fishing tournament at Rybnik Reservoir in southern Poland, a location well-known among catfish hunters for producing giants.
A 90-Minute Fight with a “Monster”
The anglers behind the record are Krzysztof Pyra and Adrian Gontarz, who spent more than an hour and a half battling the massive Wels before bringing it to shore.
“When we finally saw it, we couldn’t believe our eyes — a huge, enormous fish, a real monster,” Pyra said in an interview with TVP World.
The fish was carefully measured and photographed, then safely released back into the water after documentation.
This catch not only sets a new Polish national record (surpassing the previous 261 cm) but also establishes a new world benchmark for the species, according to Portal Polskiego Radia SA. It should be noted that the International Gamefish Association (IGFA) only recognizes records when one angler is responsible for landing the fish. It is not immediately clear if this Wels would qualify.
Why Rybnik Reservoir Produces Giants
Rybnik Reservoir, located in Silesia province, offers unique growing conditions. Warm discharge from a nearby power plant accelerates fish growth, creating an environment where Wels catfish regularly exceed two meters. For serious catfish hunters across Europe, Rybnik has long been a top destination — but this record confirms its status as one of the world’s premier trophy fisheries.
“This catch proves just how exceptional the ecosystem in Rybnik is,” Pyra told reporters. “We’ve always known the fish here can grow big, but this is beyond anything we imagined.”
About the Wels Catfish
The Wels catfish (Silurus glanis) is Europe’s largest freshwater fish species and one of the most formidable predators in inland waters. Native to the river systems of central and eastern Europe, including the Danube and Volga basins, the Wels thrives in slow-moving, warm, and deep waters such as large rivers, reservoirs, and oxbow lakes.
Known for its elongated body, broad head, and long barbels, this nocturnal hunter uses a combination of sensory whiskers and a highly developed lateral line system to detect prey in low visibility. Its diet consists of fish, amphibians, waterfowl, and occasionally small mammals, making it an apex predator in many ecosystems.
Remarkably long-lived, Wels catfish can survive for several decades and reach lengths exceeding three meters under ideal conditions. Their rapid growth in warm, food-rich waters has made them a focal species in both recreational angling and ecological research across Europe.
Tackle Tips: Gear for Targeting Giant Wels Catfish
Catching a 9.6-foot Wels catfish isn’t luck — it requires specialized gear built to withstand incredible power. Here’s the kind of setup experienced European anglers typically rely on:
- Rods: Heavy-duty catfish rods in the 9–10 foot range with plenty of backbone to handle extended fights and high drag pressures.
- Reels: Large, high-capacity baitcasting or spinning reels with strong gearing. Reliable drag systems are crucial for long, sustained runs.
- Line: 80–120 lb braid is standard for record-class fish, often with heavy fluorocarbon or monofilament leaders to resist abrasion from rough mouths and structure.
- Hooks & Rigs: Oversized circle or J hooks paired with breakaway sinker rigs to keep baits near bottom. Sliding rigs are popular for presenting live or cut bait naturally.
- Bait: European anglers often use live baitfish, eel, or large chunks of cut fish to entice these apex predators.
Fighting a Wels catfish of this size often involves patience, some brute force, and a bit of luck, as the fish can make repeated deep runs and sudden turns.
A Record for the History Books
The 292 cm Wels catfish is now recognized as a new Polish national record and is expected to become a world record, pending formal confirmation from record-keeping organizations. It breaks Poland’s previous best of 261 cm, further cementing the country’s growing reputation as a European hotspot for trophy catfish.
The historic catch has already generated significant buzz on social media, with images of the anglers and their colossal catfish circulating widely. Both Pyra and Gontarz were featured on the Polish Angling Academy’s official Facebook page following the tournament.
