Jakub Vágner, one of the world’s most renowned freshwater fishing experts, has had an extraordinary fishing season this year—not just abroad, but also in Czech waters. After breaking the Czech record back in June with a 261 cm catfish, he has now achieved another stunning feat. Vágner reeled in a 264 cm catfish from the Vranov Reservoir, surpassing his own previous record.
The Vranov Reservoir, famous for its impressive catches, had already made headlines in 1990 when a 95 kg catfish was caught. That record was broken earlier this year in June, and now Vágner has set yet another benchmark.
“I never thought I’d catch a bigger catfish in the Czech Republic. Honestly, I thought it was nearly impossible. When this giant emerged before me, I was trembling with excitement—I knew instantly that it was even larger than my previous catch. I’m over the moon to have had the chance to encounter such a fish in my lifetime,” Vágner said, reflecting on the unforgettable experience.
This latest catch is a testament to Vágner’s expertise and relentless dedication to the sport. His profound knowledge of fishing, meticulous preparation, and passion have once again led to a remarkable achievement—a new Czech record.
Jakub Vágner is globally recognized as one of the leading experts in freshwater fishing. He began fishing at the age of five and today holds multiple world records. By fifteen, he was writing articles for fishing magazines, and at seventeen, he made his first film about catfish angling. At eighteen, he hosted his own show on Czech Television.
Internationally, he gained fame with his series “Fish Warrior” on National Geographic and “Big Fish Man” on Discovery Channel. For Czech audiences, he produced the documentary series “Rybí legendy” (Fish Legends). In addition to his work as an author, producer, and filmmaker, Vágner also gives educational talks for children and young people.
