My Most Memorable Cat Fishing Trip: Landing the 55lb Giant

My Most Memorable Cat Fishing Trip: Landing the 55lb Giant

There are moments in life that stay etched in your memory forever. Days when everything falls into place, and you achieve something extraordinary. For me, that day was the summer of 2023, when I landed my personal best catfish weighing a staggering 55lb 5oz. It wasn’t just the weight of the fish that made it memorable, it was the thrill of the experience, the lessons learned, and the sheer magic of the night.

The Setup

It was a warm summer evening, and the air carried that familiar buzz of anticipation that comes with cat fishing. I had arrived at a water in Wales known for producing big catfish, but little did I know that I was about to encounter a true monster.

My setup was my trust Daiwa rods sat on a set Shimano Baitrunners down to a running rig.

But it wasn’t the gear that set this trip apart; it was the 24mm scopex boilie I had chosen as the bait. It wasn’t a bait I’d ever used before. In fact, it was entirely unfamiliar to me, suggested by a fellow angler who knew the water well. I normally favour the RG Baits Arctic Crab for targeting cats. Despite my initial hesitations, I decided to give it a shot. After all, fishing is about experimenting and trusting the wisdom of those around you.

The Moment

Fast forward to the middle of the night—it was 3am, and the world was cloaked in darkness. Just as the stillness of the water seemed absolute, my Nash s% Siren shattered the silence. That unmistakable scream echoed across the bank, sending my adrenaline skyrocketing.

I bolted up out of my bed and fell through the bivvy entrance, stumbling to my rod, my heart pounding in the quiet chaos of the moment. As I struck, I immediately felt the sheer weight and power of the fish pulling against me. This wasn’t just another catfish, it was something different.

The battle that followed was nothing short of epic. For what felt like an eternity, I was locked into a tug-of-war with a creature that refused to give up. Every surge, every dive, every turn was met with determination from both sides. My rod bent under the weight, and my hands gripped the reel tighter with each minute that passed (My back and arms were killing me!).

Eventually, after the fight of a lifetime, I brought the fish to the surface. And there it was, a 55lb 5oz beast know as 'One Whisker' glistening in the moonlight. Legend has it that he lost a whisker fighting another big cat in the lake and earned that name. I could barely believe it as I netted the fish and admired its sheer size and beauty. It was a true giant, and one that will forever hold the title of my personal best.

What I Learned

Reflecting on that night, I learned a lesson that has stuck with me ever since: never be afraid to try new baits. I had never used scopex boilies before that day, but it was a simple tip from another angler that made all the difference. Fishing is often about experimentation—stepping out of your comfort zone and trusting your instincts.

Had I stuck with my usual bait choices, I may never have landed that incredible catfish. Scopex boilies, with their distinct smell and texture, turned out to be exactly what was needed to tempt the giant lurking in those waters.

Final Thoughts

That summer night in 2023 wasn’t just about landing my personal best catfish. It was about the thrill of the chase, the lessons learned, and the reminder that fishing is as much about the journey as the destination. Whether it’s experimenting with bait, embracing the unknown, or simply savouring the beauty of the moment, cat fishing continues to challenge and inspire me in ways I never imagined.

I’ll always remember One Whisker—not just for its size, but for the memories and knowledge it gave me. And who knows, maybe the next trip will bring an even bigger surprise.

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Author: Stuart Repon