When I was a kid I use to fish Smith Lake in Alabama with my uncle who was an old bass fishermen who fished in some early Ray Scott tournaments way back when... and in 1976 when I was visiting with him and fishing the lake up there, I recall they use to send divers down to inspect the dam. And on the news in August of 1976 was a story about how the divers said they were not going to dive down there any more to inspect the dam because the fish were now as big as they were and the divers were in fear for their lives down there.

 

And now I know why I don't noodle!

 

 

 

What a monster #BigFishFriday catfish to Italian anglers Dino & Dario Ferrari!

The giant wels (silurus glanis) was caught from the River Po in Italy recently and sets a new record for the pair at a massive 265lb, measuring 8.5ft in length. 

 

 

265 seems a bit light...

Those Wels Catfish aren't something I'd mess with.  They are pretty agressive and I think I'd pass on the eye to eye meeting with one of them.  And sticking my hand in a hole waiting for something to bite me just isn't for me when you don't know what it is that's going to bite you.  

265 does look light, I'v seen 300# guys that look smaller.

No way in the world I'd noodle, the fish aren't my main concern, it's water moccasins. 

What kind of cat is that first pic and where is that?

That's funny, I remember hearing the same chatter in the late70's. But it was louisville, Ohio river, Kennedy bridge, lol .. I've seen Cat's over 100 pounds, and caught them myself to 70..

I don't know where that storyline started in America, but I've heard it a good deal.

265 does look light, I'v seen 300# guys that look smaller.

No way in the world I'd noodle, the fish aren't my main concern, it's water moccasins. 

Or muskrats, and  snapping turtles .

Getting ahold of a big blue cat is the worst, way more bite strength than a flathead or Wels. My grandpa used to noodle just for snapping turtles. They can't bite your finger off but will take a chunk out of you. Beavers and old fishing hooks were always my main concern. Lots of guys set limb and trolines in the same areas noodles use and if you get stuck on a big hook on setline cord, you're in big trouble.

Good grief that's a big Wels. Wow.

 

Noodle? Only in a bowl with soy sauce, thank you very much.

Getting ahold of a big blue cat is the worst, way more bite strength than a flathead or Wels. My grandpa used to noodle just for snapping turtles. They can't bite your finger off but will take a chunk out of you. Beavers and old fishing hooks were always my main concern. Lots of guys set limb and trolines in the same areas noodles use and if you get stuck on a big hook on setline cord, you're in big trouble.

 

 

Blue's are the worst. Seen it, and it's not for me. 

 

Call me a big ol' chicken but I'm not reaching into a hole knowing I'm going to get bit... snakes, turtles, beavers, hooks, lock ness monster... whatever it may be... i'm out!

Funny you posted this. I seen the biggest snapping turtle today. Was freaking huge. Never seen one that big. Could probably take my fore arm off.

Every dam of every decent sized resevoir in the U.S. has that same story. I first heard it from my Uncle back inthe early 70's about Lake Mead. Since then, I have heard it about dozens of other lakes.

Not saying it isn't true, just odd that every lake has the same story but no one is catching 175 lb catfish at any of these lakes.

What kind of cat is that first pic and where is that?

Wels Catfish, probably somewhere in Italy, I believe. 

the guy may need a shark cage.

Could the weight be in kilograms? I think the rest of the world pretty much uses it except us.

That first picture looks like a terrible shop to me.

 

As for a snapping turtle biting your finger/arm off.

 

 

Not saying it isn't going to put you in a world of hurt, but the chances of them taking even a finger off is pretty unlikely. Now a beaver is a whole different story. 

I have never seen anyone handle a snapping turtle by grabbing it's head like that and i guess now i know why....

When I was a kid I use to fish Smith Lake in Alabama with my uncle who was an old bass fishermen who fished in some early Ray Scott tournaments way back when... and in 1976 when I was visiting with him and fishing the lake up there, I recall they use to send divers down to inspect the dam. And on the news in August of 1976 was a story about how the divers said they were not going to dive down there any more to inspect the dam because the fish were now as big as they were and the divers were in fear for their lives down there.

And now I know why I don't noodle!

What a monster #BigFishFriday catfish to Italian anglers Dino & Dario Ferrari!

The giant wels (silurus glanis) was caught from the River Po in Italy recently and sets a new record for the pair at a massive 265lb, measuring 8.5ft in length.

265 seems a bit light...

wow!