Pictures: MADCAT pro-staffer catches world record catfish

MADCAT pro-staffer Alessandro Biancardi has shocked the catfish world with a world record 285cm monster caught in Italy’s renowned River Po.

The huge catfish beats the previous global best by 4cm and is a result of 23 years of intense catfishing by Biancardi. On its website, the Pure Fishing brand said: “We are so proud of you Alessandro. You have written history in the world of catfish angling and have put MADCAT on the top of the catfish sector. You have the respect and hearty congratulations of the whole MADCAT team. You are simply the best.”

To snare the world record Biancardi used:

• Rod – MADCAT XTAAZ Spin 2.70m
• Reel – Savage Gear SGS8 8000
• Line – MADCAT prototype braid
• Lure – Savage Gear Cannibal 15cm (below)
• Jighead – MADCAT (12/0) 40g

Biancardi said: “After I had caught it I called my friend, Marco, to come over and warn the guys at the nearby Wels-Camp Am Po because I was sure the fish was special. However, I never expected what happened next when we measured it on the mat.

“Before the very eyes of incredulous anglers, the fish measured 285cm – it was a new world record catfish. I was very curious about the weight, but I also feared the stress may be too much for such a rare specimen, so I decided to release it safely, hoping that I could give another angler the same joy the catfish gave me.”