 THE WELLS CATFISH
The Wells catfish is the ultimate freshwater predator capable of growing to sizes in excess of 200lb. A prime scavenger that eats almost anything from small carp to ducklings, catfish feed with ferocious power from the bottom to the surface and like all predators inhabit weed beds, slacks, snags and deep holes. Being practically blind, they hunt using a combination of their long whiskers for smell and lateral line for vibration, catching prey in there huge gripping mouths and soft velcro like teeth. Their muscular tail injects the speed and extreme power used for hunting and makes the Wells catfish the ultimate fighting machine for specimen anglers around the world.
CATFISH FISHING SESSIONS
 Your guide will arrange with you the evening prior to fishing what session you would like to fish. Sessions are based on 8 hrs fishing, so fishing sessions are from dawn until lunch, lunch till dusk or during the day for those who can brave the scorching summer heat. Generally, dawn and dusk are the hottest catfish feeding spells and you will be advised upon arrival what times have been most productive. The guides may take you to the hot spots above and below the dam at Riba Roja as well as up stream to the shallower waters of Mequinenza and Caspe. They will use their extensive local knowledge to determine which of the river Ebro’s sweeping bends, deep holes and gullies will give you the greatest chance of a gripping catfish experience.
 The boats are equipped with 40HP Mercury/Mariner outboard engines, with a full range of quality specimen tackle, live baits and life jackets on board.
CATCH RATE
The Riba Roja stretch of the river Ebro has a very large stock of wild catfish with the average fish weighing in the region of 60-90lb and although renowned for its numerous larger 150lb plus residents, a catfish in excess of 100lb is still classed as a very good fish.
 Regarding the action, predators can be unpredictable, but a catfish fishing session should result in an average of 1-5 takes per boat, with a good fishing session producing up to 10 takes, and exceptional fishing sessions have been known to produce 20 takes per boat.
The record catfish for the Riba Roja stretch weighing in at a huge 164lb! |
