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.
The three goals of this project are:
• free access to a complete, precise and up-to-date database concerning record catches
• development of a global guide for angler in quest of "undiscovered" species in "undiscovered" waters
• documentation of historical catches which shouldn´t be forgotten
"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 31 european species over 1 kg/2,2 lb).
• Hybrids are excluded and subspecies are comprised (excepting Salmo trutta).
• 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 all-tackle 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 all-tackle world records?
• We compile records for all freshwater fish over 5 kg, altogether 481 species - IGFA just above 100.
• 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
chief editor & fish historian