A fisherman in northern Italy has stunned the angling world after reeling in an extraordinary 9-foot 4-inch Wels catfish from the legendary River Po — one of the longest and most powerful freshwater fish ever documented in Europe.

A Catch Years in the Making

Italian angler Alessandro Biancardi, an experienced member of the MADCAT fishing team, made the catch during a solo outing in late May 2023. Using a spinning rod and artificial lure, Biancardi hooked what felt like a snag — until the line suddenly surged.

“When I realized it was alive, I felt my legs shaking,” Biancardi said in an interview after the catch.

For nearly 40 minutes, he fought the enormous fish, carefully managing his tackle to avoid breaking the line. When the giant finally surfaced, its size left him stunned. Measuring 285 centimeters (9 feet 4 inches) from head to tail, it is among the longest Wels catfish ever caught and released.

Record-Breaking — But With a Twist

While many headlines have called it “the world’s largest catfish,” the story is a little more nuanced. Because Biancardi chose to release the fish to protect it, he did not weigh it — meaning it can’t challenge the official all-tackle weight record.
However, its length may set a new benchmark for the catch-and-release length record maintained by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). His submission is under review.

The River Po — A Giant’s Habitat

Italy’s Po River is famous among anglers for its Wels catfish (Silurus glanis), an apex predator introduced decades ago and now thriving in the slow-moving waters. These fish can live for decades, feeding on carp, eels, and even birds, and are known to reach over 200 pounds in weight.

A Message of Respect

Despite its monstrous size, Biancardi handled the fish with care — using gloves and shallow water to avoid harming it before letting it swim back into the river.

“I decided to respect the fish and release it quickly,” he shared. “It’s important to preserve these magnificent creatures.”

Why It Matters

This catch highlights the River Po as one of Europe’s premier freshwater fishing destinations and underscores the balance between record-breaking sport and conservation ethics. It also demonstrates the growing popularity of catch-and-release practices among serious anglers.

If confirmed by IGFA, Biancardi’s fish could be recognized as a new world record for length — a testament to patience, skill, and respect for the water.