Over two-meter “monsters” attacked one after another. The most dangerous fish

Catfish is the largest and most dangerous freshwater fish living in our country. Attacks on people, waterfowl, domestic animals and even cows – these are facts, especially in the case of almost three-meter giants. Those in Europe are most often found and caught in France, Italy or Spain. The largest catfish caught in Poland – the current national record – is 261 cm and over 100 kg. And are there even bigger fish in our waters?

– Probably every angler has heard blood-curdling stories and legends about voracious catfish by the water or by the fire. I heard them and they awakened my fishing fantasy. Since I was a child, catfish aroused in me admiration, great respect and, above all, incredible curiosity. I was wondering: do such monstrous fish really live in our waters? Today, after more than 14 years of catching these beautiful predators, I can say that all these stories, although sometimes colored, have a grain of truth in them – Piotr Boufał begins his story, who catches the largest and most dangerous freshwater fish in Poland, but also beyond the borders of our country.

European catfish – the largest and most dangerous freshwater fish Piotr Boufal

Break patterns

– I looked through maps, I searched the internet, and finally I found another picturesque river. This time in Macedonia, where I went with two friends: Daniel and Tomek. When we got there, it turned out that the river was unlike any other water we had fished on before. It was shallow with a fast current and full of stones and gravel. These are not “book” conditions for giant catfish, but we decided to break the rules – describes Boufał.

– Already on the first night we caught three beautiful fish, two of which exceeded two meters. However, we came for even bigger fish, so we had to get to know the river better, go out on a pontoon and actively look for fish. After literally a dozen or so minutes, a giant fish fell off the hook. Nervous with this clip, a moment later I hooked another fish too quickly and failed again. I was annoyed, and worse, the fish stopped feeding. We had to change tactics and try something new. It was a good decision because suddenly the fish became interested in our lures again. It was a real El Dorado: fish after fish. The catfish attacked one after the other, and we unhooked most of them still in the water, right by the side. The next bites were enjoyable, but we still couldn’t find the biggest ones – he adds.

European catfish – the largest and most dangerous freshwater fish Piotr Boufal

“I believe it will be a success”

The break came quickly and the catfish again showed that they like to feed in larger groups. – It was a real beast, 241 cm long. It was caught by Daniel and although it was not his life’s fish, it made a great impression on us with its colors and dimensions. We did a short session with her and set her free. After a few minutes this time I had a powerful bite. After a moment of force hauling, I knew it was going to be another monster. I was not wrong. The fish was a centimeter longer than the previous one: beautiful and brave 242 cm! Of course, after a quick catfish session, he returned to his realm. From that day on, we caught at least one fish over 200 cm every day, and we still failed to tow many of them to the boat or shore: the equipment failed, our nerves or we were simply unlucky. I am convinced that many times we have dealt with fish over 250 – 260 cm – regrets Piotr Boufał.

This gives him hope that catching a three-meter catfish is possible, not only outside our country, but also in Poland. – The trip to Macedonia gave me a kick, but also faith that such creatures can live in our waters. I don’t know if I will ever be able to touch such a beautiful and majestic creature, but I believe that I will succeed. This gives me motivation for the next expeditions – he concludes, and you can watch the recordings of his expedition here: