Record catch in the water: Jakub Vágner impresses with a huge catfish!

Record catch in the water: Jakub Vágner impresses with a huge catfish!

Jakub Vágner did it: On August 11, 2025, he caught a huge catfish that was not only longer than his previous record, but also represented the biggest catch of his career. The angler fought for 50 minutes to pull the fish out of the water. After measuring and photographing his masterpiece, he responsibly released the catfish back into the lake. That sounds like a successful fishing story, but this is exactly where the debate about the “catch and release” method begins.

What's the problem with catch and release?

In Germany, the practice of “catch and release” is controversial and legally problematic. How Fishing magazine reports, this handling of the caught fish is viewed by many as animal cruelty. In the past, anglers have even faced legal consequences for releasing fish. The reason for this is the Animal Welfare Act, which provides strict regulations for the handling of vertebrates. It states that animals may only be captured or killed for a “reasonable reason.”

However, there is no clear definition of “reasonable reason”, which leads to many gray areas. Scientists disagree about how fish feel pain. Some studies show that fish do react to pain. The mortality rate after releasing a fish can vary greatly depending on the fishing method and fish species. For example, according to studies, 27.5% of pike perch die when released, while carp only die at 3.3%.

Legal frameworks and regional differences

How Fishing Saga Online explains, there are different legal regulations in Germany that vary depending on the federal state. In North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, the regulations on catch and release are unclear, while in Bavaria resetting is only permitted in exceptional cases. In some federal states there are even special permits for certain fish species that can be released under strict conditions.

The discussion about catch and release is also driven by different views on sustainability and animal welfare. Many anglers argue that releasing fish helps protect stocks and promote sustainable fishing. On the other hand, there are concerns about the welfare of the animals. At this point the question arises: Is the fun of fishing worth the potential stress and injuries that the fish suffer?

Conclusion

With his impressive catch, Jakub Vágner has set an example that goes beyond the simple joy of fishing. It raises fundamental questions about how we as a society treat our waters and the creatures that live in them. The debate about catch and release will probably continue, and it will be exciting to see how the legal framework develops in the coming years. In any case, anglers should inform themselves about local laws and act responsibly to ensure the welfare of the fish.