Potentially the biggest known catfish in the UK arrives at Earls Colne Fishing

All catfishing enthusiasts have dreamt of the day that they can visit the mecca that is the Ebro River in Spain or the river po in Italy in search for monster catfish.  Indeed, many who have visited these rivers are stunned by those 100lb plus catfish that fight so hard and make for a memorable trip and fantastic photos.  These expensive trips can cost many hundreds of pounds in flights, accommodation, meals, baits and many other costs. But why travel so far.

Earls Colne Fishing have been lucky enough to introduce a catfish that is 'potentially' the largest known catfish in the UK at a weight above 140lb when introduced in November 2022.  This amazing fish caused controversy when coming to earls Colne by the catfishing community with many uninformed people voicing opinions about the life that it will have in this water.  This controversy has introduced this fish to so many more people and proven that even negative and wrong comments can actually have a really positive impact.

This fish is so large that we have to put some very special rules in place for its protection, such as not removing from the water without staff being present to help and ensuring the right equipment is available for landing, unhooking, weighing and treating this fish.

This is a once in a lifetime fish that will beat many of the most experienced Catfishermans personal best weight.  It is a fish that we have a responsibility to look after and is a fish that potentially may hit that magical weight of UK 150lb one day.  

When stocking a fish of this size, we fully expect it to lose weight, and this is especially the case when it has been introduced just before winter and therefore will probably not eat for many months.  However, this happens to every catfish of every size and once it has got used to its new habitat, it will stabilise at a new weight and start to have weight gain again.  This may take 2 years, but it will remain healthy and enjoy its long life as long as our members take the care needed for this fish.