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Dear Mr Machacek,
we are back! For the first time since 2020, we have once again launched a large-scale, proactive research initiative, leveraging our global network. This effort has enabled us to update dozens of world records — primarily from Asia — covering weight, length, and age best marks. All in the interest of science and the angling community. Visit our website, head over to What’s New and be amazed by the many new records and photos of record-breaking catches. It will spark your imagination and give us hope that, despite declining stocks, there are still giants out there…
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Your donation helps us to run this time and cost intensive website - and provide you with the high quality content you'd expect from us!
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The Japanese Huchen - an exotic giant salmonid
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Maciej Wiankowski sitting beside the new Sakhalin Taimen world record.
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During our research, we identified a new angling record for Parahucho perryi, clearly surpassing previous benchmarks from Japan. The fish measured an impressive 140 cm (55 inches) in length, corresponding to an estimated weight of 40 kg. After being photographed, this exceptional specimen was carefully released. It was caught by Maciej Wiankowski on September 27, 2016, in the Koppi River, Russia, during a pioneering expedition organized by the “Bayan-Gol Angling Globetrotter’s Club.”
The Koppi River is located in the Khabarovsk region of the Russian Far East. It originates in the Sikhote-Alin mountain range and flows into the Tatar Strait of the Sea of Japan. Like many freshwater giants, the population in their native range has declined by an alarming 90–95%.
Japanese Huchen world records
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Largest freshwater eel with photo evidence
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Proven to be a freshwater eel with an incredible body girth.
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Arguably the largest freshwater eel ever photographed was caught on March 29, 2024, in the Ketahun River in Indonesia. Based on the available image, the reported weight of 36 kg (79 lb 6 oz) appears credible. Due to its massive girth, however, the eel was likely no longer than 175 cm — slightly larger than Mr. Acong, the fisherman from the Lebong district.
The catch quickly went viral on social media. It was made using the traditional “Tajur method” (setline fishing), widely practiced among local communities in Indonesia and Malaysia for subsistence fishing. The Indo-Pacific region, stretching from East Africa to the Fiji Islands, hosts the greatest diversity of freshwater eels, with several species reaching 20 kg or more.
all eel species over 5 kg maximum weight
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The Striped Pikecarp - a rare giant beauty
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A sucessful guided tour in the mountainous part of Laos.
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On January 8, 2020, angler Lesley Young from Singapore set a new record for one of the rarest and most beautiful freshwater giants — the Striped Pikecarp. The fish weighed 20 kg (44 lb) and measured approximately 130 cm in length. Today, this species is found only in the Nam Ngum and Nam Theun rivers in Laos and particularly threatened by the large hydroelectric power plants. The expedition was led by renowned guide "Ironman" Ng. Fishing in the clear, fast-flowing upper reaches of the river, the group landed multiple specimens ranging from 11 to 20 kg. Numerous videos and posts documenting the trip can be found on Facebook and YouTube. Historically, this species reached weights of at least 70 kg and lengths exceeding 2 meters and was once widespread throughout the Mekong River system.
Striped Pikecarp bestmarks
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Copper Mahseer record from the Himalayas
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Great fishing in the remote regions of India.
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Mahseer species present a particular challenge, as they are difficult to distinguish and often referred to interchangeably by anglers. Nevertheless, a clear new angling record has been established for the Copper Mahseer, also known as the Chocolate Mahseer. Blogger and angling expert Maxim Philippov landed a specimen weighing 12.4 kg (27 lb 5 oz) in India’s Subansiri River in February 2024. The rafting and fishing expedition in the eastern Himalayas was organized by baikalrafting.com. Even larger specimens have been reported for this species, exceeding the scientifically recognized maximum weight. One such example, estimated at over 30 kg, appears according to the photo to be a Copper Mahseer, though its extraordinary size raises the possibility of hybridization.
five Mahseer species over 25 kg
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The Bagrid Catfish - one of the last common giants
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Specimens weighing between 40 kg and 80 kg are still regularly caught.
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A new benchmark for the Bagrid Catfish or Asian Redtail Catfish was set as early as 15th June 2018. According to a report by the Vietnam News Agency, the giant specimen weighed over 110 kg (221 lb). Photographic evidence supports this weight, although it remains unclear whether the weighing board was included. This extraordinary fish from the Mekong Delta in Vietnam was likely over 220 cm (87 inches) in length. In many poorer countries all fish are consumed, and this specimen ultimately ended up in a local restaurant. The species’ distinctive red fins are typically seen only in smaller individuals. It remains relatively common, likely due to its non-migratory behavior.
45 catfish species over 50 kg maximum weight
In this spirit, dream of great catches and journeys to exotic lands where giants can still be found! Feel free to send us any potential record catch for review. Tight lines!
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