The sheer might of the catfish sent Ditch Ballard’s boat into what he humorously describes as an “untied” state, with it being stretched along the Ebro River. He grappled to maintain control while searching for a way to confront this mammoth prey. Despite the bone-chilling minus 3-degree weather, he pressed on without pausing to retrieve a hat or shoes from the shelter on the boat.
As the battle raged on, the initial adrenaline surge began to wane, replaced by physical exhaustion and plummeting body temperatures. Yet, Ditch Ballard refused to yield, persevering through several minutes of epic struggle. Finally, the giant catfish emerged, showcasing its formidable jaws and concluding a battle filled with drama and awe.
After donning cold gloves and summoning his remaining strength, Ditch Ballard triumphantly reeled in his “monster” catch. He described it as the most monumental battle of his fishing career, and as the final chapter of the contest unfolded, a triumphant smile spread across his face, acknowledging his well-earned victory.
While this colossal catfish tipped the scales at a remarkable 100kg, it’s important to note that it is not the largest catfish ever caught. That distinction belongs to angler Attila Zsedely, who hauled in a nearly 135kg catfish from the Po River in Italy back in 2010.
After the fiery contest, Ditch Ballard made a noble decision, releasing the catfish back into the water, granting it the freedom to continue thriving in its natural habitat. This act of conservation ensures that this remarkable “monster” of the river will live to tell the tale, ready for another angler’s epic battle in the future.
