German angler catches 2.92-meter catfish in Poland

catfish world record Oliver Schäfer Rybnik reservoir fishing tournament giant catfish

German angler Oliver Schäfer, a 34-year-old mechanic from Mechernich-Kallmuth, caught a 2.92-meter catfish during a predator-fishing tournament in Rybnik, Poland. Alongside his Dutch partner, Kevin Cremers, Schäfer landed the giant fish after a battle lasting more than 30 minutes.

The catch occurred at a reservoir used as a cooling basin for a nearby coal power plant. Schäfer noted that the warmer water temperatures encourage fish like catfish, carp, and zander to feed more actively and grow faster.

Tournament organizers and participants believe the fish may be the same individual caught in October 2025 by Polish anglers Krzysztof Pyra and Adrian Gontarz, which also measured 2.92 meters. While the fish has reportedly gained weight since then, its length has remained the same. Following tournament regulations, the catfish was carefully measured on a tarpaulin to protect its slime layer and then released back into the water. Although the catch was a significant achievement, the duo finished in second place in the overall tournament standings.

Entities

Adrian Gontarz · Germany · Kevin Cremers · Krzysztof Pyra · Oliver Schäfer · PZW Katowice · Poland · Rybnik

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The fishing tournament took place in Rybnik, Poland, on October 10 and 11. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Oliver Schäfer and Kevin Cremers caught a 292-centimetre catfish. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Participants believe the fish is the same one caught in October 2025. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 150 anglers from 70 teams competed in the tournament. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The duo achieved second place in the tournament with 28,930 points. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The fish has not grown longer since 2025 but has become more robust. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The catfish was released back into the lake following the measurement. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] In October 2025, Krzysztof Pyra and Adrian Gontarz also measured a 292-centimetre catfish. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com