The purr-fect catfish! World record 9ft 4¼in fish is caught in Italian river after the ‘monster’ put up a 43-minute struggle

Italian angler Alessandro Biancardi had an extraordinary fishing experience when he caught what could potentially be the largest catfish ever recorded. The enormous fish measured a staggering 9ft 4 1/4 inches and put up a fierce fight that lasted 43 minutes before Alessandro managed to reel it in.

Alessandro, a professional angler and member of the MADCAT fishing team, was initially unaware of the magnitude of his catch. He had set out for a day of fishing on the river Po and had only cast his line a few times when he hooked onto the record-breaking catfish. However, as the fish breached the water’s surface, Alessandro quickly realized he was facing the biggest fish of his 23-year career. With no one around to assist him, he felt a wave of panic wash over him.

Struggling to control the powerful bottom-dwelling beast, Alessandro grappled with the challenge of bringing it aboard his boat and eventually onto land. Although curious about the weight of the catfish, he decided not to stress it further and made the compassionate decision to release it, hoping that another angler would experience the same joy that he did.

Alessandro’s remarkable encounter took place following significant flooding in northern Italy, which led to a drop in water levels. Unbeknownst to him, this unique circumstance contributed to his once-in-a-lifetime catch. As a dedicated fisherman, Alessandro always ensures that his equipment is in perfect condition, preparing for the possibility of encountering his dream fish.

Capturing breathtaking photographs on the river bank, Alessandro described his astonishment upon encountering this “prehistoric fish” that measured almost the length of two people. The adrenaline surged through him as he grappled with the giant catfish, fully aware that it was a momentous battle. He battled the fast-moving water and debris in the swollen river, even risking the loss of his boat and equipment when he leaped onto land to secure his catch.

After a struggle to subdue the powerful catfish, Alessandro successfully landed it by luring it into shallow water. To allow the fish to recover from the intense fight, he secured it temporarily before realizing that his unanchored boat was drifting away in the current. In a bizarre turn of events, he had to swim to retrieve his boat and belongings. Seeking assistance from a friend, they measured the catfish, confirming its status as a record breaker.

The massive wels catfish caught by Alessandro will surpass the current International Game Fish Association (IGFA) all-tackle world record for length. The previous record, set by angler Attila Zsedely in 2010 with a fish from the Po, will be exceeded by a full 40cm. Unfortunately, since Alessandro released his impressive catch, it will not count as an official record. However, it will qualify for IGFA’s catch-and-release length record, surpassing the previous record-holder, another massive fish caught in the Po, by four centimeters.

Alessandro Biancardi’s encounter with the gigantic catfish stands as a testament to the wonders that lie beneath the surface of our rivers. His selfless decision to release the fish ensures that it can continue to thrive and potentially bring joy to other anglers. This extraordinary catch serves as an inspiration for fishing enthusiasts worldwide, reminding them that the next cast could lead to an unforgettable encounter with a true monster of the deep.

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