For over 25 years I´ve been engaged in updating a database concerning the maximum size of freshwater fish. I realized that the existing information in specified literature is very incomplete and the information-exchange between scientists, commercial fishermen and sports fishermen is poor. I try to give every interested person the possibility to access a complete, correct and up-to-date reference tool concerning record catches."World Records Freshwater Fishing" is a compilation of the most important references worldwide from international networks.

Here is a little explanation of the database and profiles:
• The database includes all freshwater species, anadromous and catadromous species with a
• maximum weight of at least 5 kg/11 lb (plus european species over 1 kg/2,2 lb).
• Hybrids are not included and subspecies are comprised.
• Data about record weight, length and age are collected. In most cases the heaviest, longest and
• oldest specimen were different fishes.
• The species are listed in descending order by their maximum weight.

• Rod & reel records are documented completely for every species. You will see that only few
• freshwater species are object of anglers...
• Rod & reel records marked with an asterix (*) are also official records of the IGFA, according to
• their rules.
• Records made with other catching methods (net, hand line, spear, bow fishing etc.) and specimen
• which were found dead are listed, if they surpass the rod & reel records.
• "Questionable" records (which means anecdotal, not verified) are mentioned, if they surpass the
• authentic records.
• Length records are always total length (TL) records, never standard length (SL) or fork length (FL)
• measurements.
• "approx./over" means, that the weight is estimated according to the length/girth and conversely.
• "tie" means, the weight difference between two record catches in one percent or less.

Maybe you want to know what's the difference to the IGFA (International Game Fish Association)?
• We compile records for all freshwater fish over 5 kg, altogether 471 species - IGFA only 95.
• We compile all records ever published worldwide - IGFA accepts only records reported to them.
• We compile all records, irrespective of the catching method - IGFA only rod & reel records in
• accordance with their rules.

Our long-term objective is to publish an illustrated book with photos (including copyrights) and record data of all these species. The pocketbook should be free of charge and distributed to interested anglers and scientists worldwide - to improve information exchange and inspire the fantasy.


Heinz Machacek
research editor & fish historian