More big UK catfish are being reported than ever before, and while most fall to boilies, pellets and deadbaits, an increasing number of anglers are trying ‘alternative’ tactics.
Gary Dyer has proved that these are far from a gimmick, after landing this 102lb moggie on a lure!
It was caught from Fishable Lakes in Houchins, Essex, on a paddletail shad mounted on a 28g jighead.
A stout 40-80g spin rod and 40lb braid helped the Catfish Conservation Group Member subdue the specimen.
“There was nobody else on the lake that day, so my fishing partner Brad and I worked our way around the lake, trying to locate the fish,” Gary told us.
“At this time of year, the cats tend to group up, so location is paramount.
“After missing a few takes, we focused on one spot and covered as much of the water as possible. It’d been a very wet morning, and when the rain stopped the wind picked up. Brad started to pack away when, with my last chuck of the day, I struck gold and hooked a big cat.”
Unlike in summer, the catfish’s fight was docile, and after only 15 minutes it was safely landed.
“At 102lb, it’s my new personal best and quite possibly the biggest lure-caught catfish in the UK,” Gary added.
FANCY CATCHING A BIG CATFISH YOURSELF? HERE ARE THE BEST UK VENUES TO VISIT.
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