German Angler Lands 2.92-Metre Catfish in Poland, Releases Giant Alive

German angler Oliver Schäfer and Dutch fishing partner Kevin Cremers landed a 2.92-metre wels catfish during a fishing tournament at Poland’s Rybnik reservoir in October 2026.

More than 30 minutes to land the fish

According to Euronews, Schäfer fought the fish for more than half an hour while Cremers managed the boat. Tournament officials measured the catfish at 292 centimetres before it was released alive.

The pair finished second in the tournament, which was scored on accumulated points rather than the length of one fish. The catch has been described as extraordinary, but it should not be labelled an official world length record: international sport-fishing records are not maintained in that form.

Source: Euronews, 26 October 2026.