Mekong Catfish fishing – 05 04 2011
UK angler Stephen Scrutton decided to start his Thailand fishing holiday with a visit to Bungsamran Lake in Bangkok Mekong Catfish fishing
On arrival at the lake the angler started fishing form the public bank and cast large balls of groundbait out on sliding float rigs.
The angler did not have long to wait before one of the floats bobbed twice before burying under the water.
Winding down into the Mekong Catfish saw the fish power across the lake causing a large bow wave out in the centre of the lake.
Steve piled on the pressure and managed to turn the Mekong Catfish causing it to charge off on another powerful run.
Ten minutes later Steve netted a Mekong Catfish of an estimated 22kg’s which was promptly returned after photography.
Further casts towards fish showing in the centre of the lake resulted in more Mekong Catfish with weights between 10-20kg’s.
Steve caught steadily throughout the morning adding several more Mekong Catfish and Striped Catfish to his rapidly increasing tally.
After a short break for lunch and a much needed rest Steve resumed fishing and was soon once again hauling the Mekong Catfish.
As the afternoon progressed Steve started to pick up some better sized Mekong Catfish with several specimens nudging the 30kg region.
After casting back to the centre of the lake the bait was taken almost on impact and line began to stream from the reel.
The battle on this occasion lasted much longer and saw the angler fighting the Mekong Catfish for almost twenty minutes.
On netting the Mekong Catfish the monster catfish was hoisted up onto the unhooking mat.
The monster Mekong Catfish was estimated to weigh 33-35kg’s and was held proudly for trophy shots.
At the end of the days Mekong Catfish fishing in Bangkok the angler had amassed a twenty fish haul of Mekong and Striped Catfish
