The UK's ultimate Predator (Angling Tips and Advice)

Member Name: sharkman

Product:	Angling Tips and Advice
Date:	23/04/02 (187 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: hardest fighting fish

Disadvantages: lack of venues

Forget Pike the predator to fish for is the wels catfish - silurus glanis to give it its Latin name. The fish is known by several naems across the continent such as the Waller, Silurus, Silure. In Russia fish of over 700lbs have been caught by trawlers. In the uk the former record stood at 62lbs but has now been discontinued although fish to over 100lbs have been caught in this country and recently a fish of 250lb was caught in Italy. In Spain many fish over the 150lb weight are caught each year.

Tackle required for fishing for wels catfish in the UK

For the majority of catfishing in the UK i would recomend that most standard pike and carp tackle is suitable but check the list below for clarification.

RODS: use 12 foot 2-21/2lb test curve rods, preferably with a good through action.

Reels: The most important feature on the reel for catfishing is a large line capacity and a smooth clutch. Generally catfish when hooked are to quick to allow for back-winding, so a good free spool style reel such as a Shimano Baitrunner will be ideal especially if you are using livebaits.

Line: The line you use should be down to your own prefered brand but should be at least 12-15lb breaking strain. I would personally recomend Pro_gold or Fox Steel both of these are popular lines and should be easy to obtain.

Indicators: These are again down to personal choice but any resistance should be kept to a minimum. It is better to use pike style drop-off indicators rather than carp style swingers. Audible bite alarms are necessary as most catish are caught during the night.

Hooks: Generally for catfishing we use sharp, strong single hooks in large sizes (2-2/0. Again this is down to personal choice but Partridge make an excellent catfish hook Z60 which also comes in a barbless version.

Landing Nets/Unhooking Mats: You will need to upgrade your landing nets to one of at least 42 inches but preferable 50 inch and your unhooki
nh mats must be a lot bigger.

Retention: If you catch a catfish and want to retain them for a shorrt time for photographing etc you should use either a catfish tube or a stringer. Catfish should never be put in carp sacks for retention. Only retain a fish for the shortest amount of time possible.

Good luck with your catfishing - need any more advice jsut shout

Summary: