Fishing for Mekong Catfish in Bangkok Lake – 08 09 2009
Another visit to Bungsamran Lake in Bangkok saw German anglers Peter and Mark fishing from a private bungalow.
After assembling sliding float set-ups coupled with super sharp Owner hooks the anglers cast large balls of groundbait out into the centre of the lake.
On impact with the water one of the rods was literally ripped from the anglers hand as a Mekong Catfish moved away powerfully with the ball of groundbait!
Winding down into the unseen catfish saw the rod lopped over into full battle curve as a Mekong Catfish embarked on a series of unstoppable runs.
A fifteen minute battle ensued which saw the fish fighting all the way to the net.
After netting the fish on the first attempt it was hauled onto the unhooking mat to reveal a Mekong Catfish of an estimated 20kg’s.
After a few pictures the fish was placed back in the water before the anglers rebaited their rods ready to recast.
Action followed throughout the day with both anglers landing a succession of Striped and Mekong Catfish to 20kg+.
With the anglers only fishing one rod each they were soon hooked into yet more catfish with several occasions seeing both anglers connected to fish at the same time.
With a constant stream of catfish gracing their nets the anglers continued to fish into late afternoon.
A steady and progressive take saw Peter once again doing battle with another Mekong Catfish which proceeded to charge towards the far end of the lake.
A twenty minute battle followed which saw the catfish making a series of extremely powerful runs.
After battling the fish for almost twenty minutes the Mekong Catfish changed tactics and headed directly towards the fishing platforms supports.
Several fraught moments followed as the fish tried to enter the snags beneath the angler’s feet.
Playing the fish as heavy as he dared the German angler finally succeeded in guiding the fish out of the snags where it was skillfully scooped up in the net.
The Mekong catfish which was estimated to weigh 30kg’s was quickly placed on the unhooking mat before a few trophy shots were taken before release.
At the end of the days angling the anglers had amassed a massive forty fish capture consisting of Striped and Mekong Catfish to an estimated 30kg’s+.
