So I just came across this 
crazy
Then it had me wondering since these things are becoming more popular. What size carp could, say, a 100lber eat?
I know a bloke once told me years ago a pike could take one a third of its weight roughly
Wonder how many carp are getting sniffled by these monsters, I know a lake that has 70s in and I was speaking to a bloke on the Trent the other day and he said that has done big ones too
I spoke to a lad quite few years ago now and he said he had a 20 with a “ring” around it and said a cat had hold of it. I don't want to start banging the drum, anti catfish, just purely fascinated because I have “heard” some water have them in well over 100, so could they take a 30?
crazy
Then it had me wondering since these things are becoming more popular. What size carp could, say, a 100lber eat?
I know a bloke once told me years ago a pike could take one a third of its weight roughly
Wonder how many carp are getting sniffled by these monsters, I know a lake that has 70s in and I was speaking to a bloke on the Trent the other day and he said that has done big ones too
I spoke to a lad quite few years ago now and he said he had a 20 with a “ring” around it and said a cat had hold of it. I don't want to start banging the drum, anti catfish, just purely fascinated because I have “heard” some water have them in well over 100, so could they take a 30?
In reply to Post #1
One of my club lakes had a rumoured cat in it. Hadn't been caught for years, until a few years ago. It was removed from the lake. I'm not sure what happened to it as stocking cats into lakes is banned as far as I'm aware unless you have a special licence.
One of my club lakes had a rumoured cat in it. Hadn't been caught for years, until a few years ago. It was removed from the lake. I'm not sure what happened to it as stocking cats into lakes is banned as far as I'm aware unless you have a special licence.
In reply to Post #1
Going back about 17 or 18 years ago on a trip out to abbey lakes the lad I was fishing next to had a scraper 30 with abrasions down both flanks which looked very much like it had been in a cats mouth. They went to almost 200 in there at the time apparently. I dont believe that they all predate on fish in a carp water, they will generally eat the easiest meal to get in their mouth which is anglers bait. There are quite few waters around my way where both species do just fine alongside each other
Going back about 17 or 18 years ago on a trip out to abbey lakes the lad I was fishing next to had a scraper 30 with abrasions down both flanks which looked very much like it had been in a cats mouth. They went to almost 200 in there at the time apparently. I dont believe that they all predate on fish in a carp water, they will generally eat the easiest meal to get in their mouth which is anglers bait. There are quite few waters around my way where both species do just fine alongside each other
In reply to Post #2
I have seen the same on a couple of waters, large tanks at the side of the lake, if you catch a catfish you must put them in there. Local mongs have dumped them in a few waters around me since. Looks like they eat their own though, and of decent size which could balance waters out but I bet they take a lot of specimen sized fish
I have seen the same on a couple of waters, large tanks at the side of the lake, if you catch a catfish you must put them in there. Local mongs have dumped them in a few waters around me since. Looks like they eat their own though, and of decent size which could balance waters out but I bet they take a lot of specimen sized fish
In reply to Post #3
I fished one smaller water for a few months and that had two in over the 60lb mark, I used particle for a change and gave up with it, sick of catching tench, it was full of them, and a mate told me they are one of their favourite foods! I'm guessing they are just like a dustbin and anything that fits in it's mouth it will eat, seen the one where they are eating pigeons too
I fished one smaller water for a few months and that had two in over the 60lb mark, I used particle for a change and gave up with it, sick of catching tench, it was full of them, and a mate told me they are one of their favourite foods! I'm guessing they are just like a dustbin and anything that fits in it's mouth it will eat, seen the one where they are eating pigeons too
In reply to Post #5
Yeah they will eat anything. I actually think they are good for a water ,preventing beds of bait sitting rotting away, eating any dead or sick fish. Whatever is easiest for them .Plus they give you a hell of a scrap.
Yeah they will eat anything. I actually think they are good for a water ,preventing beds of bait sitting rotting away, eating any dead or sick fish. Whatever is easiest for them .Plus they give you a hell of a scrap.
In reply to Post #5
Catfish in a tank eating a carp.
This cat could easily take a carp twice this size. One gulp and its gone.
Once thought to be an effective predator in carp fisheries, but they are also lazy and will clean out any carp baits too.
https://youtu.be/8J2PXULjjb0?si=PaQy_pKYMLIcW1pc
Catfish in a tank eating a carp.
This cat could easily take a carp twice this size. One gulp and its gone.
Once thought to be an effective predator in carp fisheries, but they are also lazy and will clean out any carp baits too.
https://youtu.be/8J2PXULjjb0?si=PaQy_pKYMLIcW1pc
In reply to Post #7
Wow that strike was rapid - tbf the Carplet didn't have many places to escape . .
Wow that strike was rapid - tbf the Carplet didn't have many places to escape . .
In reply to Post #7
Tail first too!
That's interesting viewing, I think they both knew they were in there, no real chase, just seemed to wait for the opportunity. The one in the first video I'm guessing, saw it and chased it down, saying that it was a worthy meal lol
Tail first too!
That's interesting viewing, I think they both knew they were in there, no real chase, just seemed to wait for the opportunity. The one in the first video I'm guessing, saw it and chased it down, saying that it was a worthy meal lol
I hate the idea of people putting catfish in carp lakes eventually they will get so big they WILL eat the big carp and god forbid the things will breed same as poxy sturgeon they are a novelty when you havent caught one before but you soon realise they are brainless eating machines with zero skill in catching them
In reply to Post #10
Seeing that got me thinking exactly what they will take. I believe most people stock them to keep the small fish numbers down, when they are a fair size I bet they ain't they eating small fish!
Seeing that got me thinking exactly what they will take. I believe most people stock them to keep the small fish numbers down, when they are a fair size I bet they ain't they eating small fish!
In reply to Post #11
For that reason just stock perch or pike. Utilise the knowledge of an expert before spending a fortune stocking the wrong type or size of fish. Scottie would cost you less than a fish kill.
For that reason just stock perch or pike. Utilise the knowledge of an expert before spending a fortune stocking the wrong type or size of fish. Scottie would cost you less than a fish kill.
In reply to Post #11
It's just not the case Chris ,plenty of waters with big cats and carp together. They aren't just big dumb eating machines either ,on lakes where they are actually targeted anyway. My local has them to over 70lb. The same lake has loads of carp to 30lb or so, and is one of the best big roach waters in the area. And although there are tons of cats in there, all the other species are doing very well, and have for many years. Those cats ain't easy to catch and can be very tricky at times
It's just not the case Chris ,plenty of waters with big cats and carp together. They aren't just big dumb eating machines either ,on lakes where they are actually targeted anyway. My local has them to over 70lb. The same lake has loads of carp to 30lb or so, and is one of the best big roach waters in the area. And although there are tons of cats in there, all the other species are doing very well, and have for many years. Those cats ain't easy to catch and can be very tricky at times
In reply to Post #13
I agree with what you said earlier. One venue I know has match men and carpers on it, one of the old guys I know said to me, if you want to catch a catfish, use sweetcorn!!!
Whilst fish populations do thrive, as I mentioned about the tench in another water, I cannot help think they are predominantly taking specimen sized fish too with a gob like a dustbin, ferocious predator with probably an appetite to match their size!
I agree with what you said earlier. One venue I know has match men and carpers on it, one of the old guys I know said to me, if you want to catch a catfish, use sweetcorn!!!
Whilst fish populations do thrive, as I mentioned about the tench in another water, I cannot help think they are predominantly taking specimen sized fish too with a gob like a dustbin, ferocious predator with probably an appetite to match their size!
A lake we fished in France April 2019 the cats were active and very predatory they went to around 150lb in size not that we were there to catch them, out of all the carp we caught there were quite a few that were marked up by the cats, one of the lads on the trip caught a cat around 60/70lb that regurgitated a dead muskrat which was pretty much mush when we had it out on the bank.
Nigel had one well marked up Id say it was a mid 20lb mirror that had a lucky escape.
I will add I have no time for catching cats or sturgeon I've had hundreds of the things over the years, cats leave you looking like you've been to a bukkake party and sturgeon are just dumb prehistoric hoovers.
police car emojis
Me on netting duties
police car emojis
The ball of mush it spewed out
police car emojis
Nigel had one well marked up Id say it was a mid 20lb mirror that had a lucky escape.
I will add I have no time for catching cats or sturgeon I've had hundreds of the things over the years, cats leave you looking like you've been to a bukkake party and sturgeon are just dumb prehistoric hoovers.
police car emojis
Me on netting duties
police car emojis
The ball of mush it spewed out
police car emojis
I stocked them in one water a few years back, around 30 of them to upper 40's. The water is that rich with naturals they have thrived, but it's very rare they ever get caught.
The Carp on the other hand now do get caught during June, July & August, before the Cats went in the lake would totally shut down for three months “Who's going to eat biscuits (Boilies) when there's nice juicy fresh steak lying everywhere”
There's been some other benefits too – Birdlife used to be a right pain in the butt, but not anymore only a very stupid or brave Duck, Moorhen or Coot would be daft enough to go out into open water!
Plus we now have our own Carp surviving from fry to doubles, as all the fry hangs around were the Cat's are resting up in the marginal undergrowth, as they know they are safe from being annihilated from the shoals of Perch that used to wipe them all out.
From my experience in the RIGHT water, that has an over abundance of naturals they are fine.
The Carp on the other hand now do get caught during June, July & August, before the Cats went in the lake would totally shut down for three months “Who's going to eat biscuits (Boilies) when there's nice juicy fresh steak lying everywhere”
There's been some other benefits too – Birdlife used to be a right pain in the butt, but not anymore only a very stupid or brave Duck, Moorhen or Coot would be daft enough to go out into open water!
Plus we now have our own Carp surviving from fry to doubles, as all the fry hangs around were the Cat's are resting up in the marginal undergrowth, as they know they are safe from being annihilated from the shoals of Perch that used to wipe them all out.
From my experience in the RIGHT water, that has an over abundance of naturals they are fine.
In reply to Post #14
Oh yeah they certainly have an appetite mate, I remember years ago in France I had a mid 60 puke up a good 5kg of mixed fish and pellet when I was holding it for a pic. Whilst they obviously do predate still, I think they are more scavengers than predators in lakes that are carp fished. As Keith says ,in the right lake they are a good addition. I just think a lot of carp anglers are a bit of a species snob when it comes to them. I'd rather not catch them when carping but if I do then so be it.
Oh yeah they certainly have an appetite mate, I remember years ago in France I had a mid 60 puke up a good 5kg of mixed fish and pellet when I was holding it for a pic. Whilst they obviously do predate still, I think they are more scavengers than predators in lakes that are carp fished. As Keith says ,in the right lake they are a good addition. I just think a lot of carp anglers are a bit of a species snob when it comes to them. I'd rather not catch them when carping but if I do then so be it.
In reply to Post #15
Last sentance
Last sentance
In reply to Post #1
From what I understand, 95% of the biomas in the Ebro is now cats.
From what I understand, 95% of the biomas in the Ebro is now cats.
In reply to Post #16
Do they eat seagullls, I know just the place
Interesting that Kieth, you are saying the cats were competing with the carp so this switched the carp onto boilie?
Do they eat seagullls, I know just the place
Interesting that Kieth, you are saying the cats were competing with the carp so this switched the carp onto boilie?
In reply to Post #19
Well from that video they are not short of a food source, dog eat dog
Well from that video they are not short of a food source, dog eat dog
From about 4.15 onward I know he dresses it up a bit but where Jeremy mentions about medieval depictions, I wish I could remember if it was this episode in full I watched which also detailed this some more saying that they believed some of the Wel's in the ebro in medieval times could of been in excess of 1000lb+ but due to being overfished mainly for the table from those time hence the average size is a lot less these days but given time and left to their own devices fish of that size could return if the abundance of food was available, MENTAL.
WEL'S catfish
WEL'S catfish
In reply to Post #20
Interesting that Keith, you are saying the cats were competing with the carp so this switched the carp onto boilie?
Problem was Chris, with the lake going crystal clear during the winter months with max depths to only around 12ft, the Cormorants & Goosanders would have a field day every winter, hence any Roach, Rudd, Trout or Perch we stocked got almost totally wiped out every winter, then it would repeat itself if we tried again.....
Huge amounts of natural food is now "Spare" during the summer months, the Carp have it all to themselves and have a field day, sicking two fingers up at anyone trying to catch them.
Putting the Cats in threw a spanner into the works - the Carp had competition, competition that could not be wiped out via predation every winter.
Plus the Margins have grown well now with time, giving cover too.
Interesting that Keith, you are saying the cats were competing with the carp so this switched the carp onto boilie?
Problem was Chris, with the lake going crystal clear during the winter months with max depths to only around 12ft, the Cormorants & Goosanders would have a field day every winter, hence any Roach, Rudd, Trout or Perch we stocked got almost totally wiped out every winter, then it would repeat itself if we tried again.....
Huge amounts of natural food is now "Spare" during the summer months, the Carp have it all to themselves and have a field day, sicking two fingers up at anyone trying to catch them.
Putting the Cats in threw a spanner into the works - the Carp had competition, competition that could not be wiped out via predation every winter.
Plus the Margins have grown well now with time, giving cover too.
In reply to Post #22
I don't think Cats are native to the Ebro. I believe a German put 20 odd kittens in in the early 70's. The species has now taken over almost completely.
If they can do it there it's possible for the same to happen anywhere.
I don't think Cats are native to the Ebro. I believe a German put 20 odd kittens in in the early 70's. The species has now taken over almost completely.
If they can do it there it's possible for the same to happen anywhere.
In reply to Post #24
Thanks I've obviously completely got my wires crossed on the info in the program I watched, as mentioned it was a while ago.
So on that basis what I watched probably stated Wel's catfish in river systems from medieval periods had the potential of being 1000lb from the depictions rather than the Ebro cats but the potential for growth could be there with sustainable available food for them is a river system with the warmer climate or words to that effect, still makes the mind boggle a 1000lb cat on rod and line from a river system best of luck with that one.
Thanks I've obviously completely got my wires crossed on the info in the program I watched, as mentioned it was a while ago.
So on that basis what I watched probably stated Wel's catfish in river systems from medieval periods had the potential of being 1000lb from the depictions rather than the Ebro cats but the potential for growth could be there with sustainable available food for them is a river system with the warmer climate or words to that effect, still makes the mind boggle a 1000lb cat on rod and line from a river system best of luck with that one.
In reply to Post #25
Pretty sure it was Russia where they've had them up to the huge sizes rather than the Ebro. I'm also sure I read somewhere the story of the German guy putting them in the Ebro was a myth
Pretty sure it was Russia where they've had them up to the huge sizes rather than the Ebro. I'm also sure I read somewhere the story of the German guy putting them in the Ebro was a myth
In reply to Post #26
Years ago my mate had a Kevin Maddocks video, he was fishing for giants back then, which we found amazing at the time
Years ago my mate had a Kevin Maddocks video, he was fishing for giants back then, which we found amazing at the time
In reply to Post #27
Yes I remember watching it on video years ago, I've just searched and its on Youtube the Volga Delta, nice bit of cutting one open and gaffing on show
KM LINK
Yes I remember watching it on video years ago, I've just searched and its on Youtube the Volga Delta, nice bit of cutting one open and gaffing on show
KM LINK
In reply to Post #28
Amazing stuff - fishing before fish care.
Amazing stuff - fishing before fish care.
I fished the Ebro for cats with Catfish capers Caspe
and we all caught big fish one of the group on my week caught a 209lb fish this has since been surpassed with a cat of 226lb
BUT !!
the local authority's were bringing at a law that no cats were to be returned and they were putting out lines at night and towing them in with a 4x4 and killing any cats as they said they are over running the Ebro ? this was a few years ago not sure what the position is today though ?
and we all caught big fish one of the group on my week caught a 209lb fish this has since been surpassed with a cat of 226lb
BUT !!
the local authority's were bringing at a law that no cats were to be returned and they were putting out lines at night and towing them in with a 4x4 and killing any cats as they said they are over running the Ebro ? this was a few years ago not sure what the position is today though ?
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