Species of UK Coarse Fish
Wels Catfish - Silurus glanis
Fish Species Wels Catfish Latin name Silurus glanis
Freshwater Coarse Fish Guide For Anglers
Description, baits and general methods for fishing and catching Catfish
Wels Catfish 62lb 1997 R Garner Withy Pool, Bedfordshire
The Catfish, is so named for their prominent barbules that look like cats whiskers, is the longest and heaviest freshwater fish species in the UK. Catfish look nothing like regular fish and more similar to an eel.
Common name: Wels Catfish
Latin name: Silurus glanis
Family: Siluridae
Since arriving in the UK there are now a number of commercial venues where Cats have been stocked.
They have and has a long scale less body, an enormous head with six 'whiskers' protruding from it and an equally enormous mouth.
It is beleived that the Wels Catfish is originally from the eastern countries in Europe.
Description of Wels Catfish
Introduced into the UK more than one hundred years ago, Catfish were stocked in the lakes of Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire by the Duke of Bedford
The fish has a large head that tapers back to the large tail with a small dorsal fin an anal fin that stretches backwards until it almost reaches the tail and paddle like pectoral fin is also very large
The head has tiny eyes with two very long barbules, one protruding from underneath each eye, and four shorter barbules on the lower jaw.
Article Copyright 1999 J.Boswell  www.fish-uk.com
All rights reserved
Catfish have a well developed sense of smell and are not fussy eaters and will eat almost anything, live or dead.
Fishing Methods for Catching Catfish
Catfish can grow to a monstrous size and weight so make sure you have the tackle to cope. Strong rods, line and end tackle is a must.
Also make sure you have an extra large landing net, large mat and pair of long nosed forceps for unhooking close to hand.
Similar to fishing for eels in the UK and Europe, fishing for Catfish is mostly done by ledgering a deadbait.
Silverfish between 4 and 12 inches are considered the best size baits and some anglers prefer to use these as live bait.
Sea fish can also be used as live or deadbaits with mackerel and herring good choices because they are an oily fish and their scent trail carries a long way in the water.
Check the Fishery Bait Rules.
Using coarse or sea fish as bait is an individual choice but it also depends on what the owner of the water you are going to fish allows. Check with him or her first.
Soaking boilies, pellets and other baits in flavours and glugs, particularly the meaty or fishy types such as halibut oil can add higher level of attraction.
France has the River Seine and also lakes where Catfish to over 100lbs and Carp to 50lb plus are common.
Catfish along with Carp are not liked in all countries, Australia being one of them.
The Wels Catfish is declared noxious in Queensland, Australia and it is illegal to possess, rear, breed, sell or buy Wels Catfish, live or dead without a permit.

By using this website you agree to the Terms & Conditions of www.fish-uk.com
Copyright © 2007 to present www.fish-uk.com
All rights reserved
The male catfish will guard the eggs until they hatch and protect the fry until they leave the nest.
The male can be identified by a pointed flap of skin behind the vent. In the female the flap of skin is shorter and fatter.
The mouth is filled with hundreds of tiny soft teeth on the top and bottom of its jaw that are used to grip its prey before passing it to the two sets of crushing pads at the back of the throat.
Colouration of catfish is normally a dark greeny, brown black body with creamy yellowish sides creating a mottled camouflage effect ideal for when they are hunting their prey.
The fry are believed to feed on larval aquatic insects, aquatic plants and plankton. As they get older they feed on larger food stuffs such as small crustaceans, small fish, mussels, molluscs, crayfish, worms etc.
The female deposits the eggs, anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000 and 3mm in size and they hatch in 3 to 10 days depending on water temperature.
Unlike most other fish the male builds a nest for the female to lay her eggs normally located in a secluded spot such as a natural cavern, a hole or under banks or logs
Spawning in the UK usually takes place during late spring, early summer when waters warm to around the 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Predominantly, coarse fish such as roach, rudd and bream are considered the best deadbaits but this is an individual choice.
Boilies and pellets are also popular with Catfish anglers especially where live and dead baits are not allowed.
As already been mentioned the most popular Catfish baits are coarse fish as live or deadbaits.
Baits used to catch Wels Catfish
Pre baiting or groundbaiting for cats in these areas can produce good results. Smelly fishmeal based mixes are a good attractor for Wels Catfish.
Wels Catfish can usually be found patrolling the margins or in in deep holes, among weed beds and lilies, hiding in hollows under the bank or lurking under overhanging branches of trees.
Catfish feed mainly at night but will feed at any time and seem to favour snaggy areas.
Worms and cocktail baits of worms, Lobworms, Dendrobaenas, Redworms and Brandlings are other baits..
Notes
There are many Catfishing Holidays abroad where you have the chance to catch a true monster.
The famous River Ebro in Spain was stocked with catfish in the late 1970s and these fish now average a weight of 40 to 60 kg with fish over 75kg being caught.
It is also an offence to release Wels catfish into Queensland waterways or use them as bait, live or dead and penalties of up to $200,000 apply
www.Fish-uk.com
Fish-uk logo