Fishing season in Hungary kicks off with record-breaking catches

As May begins, fishing season in Hungary is off to a spectacular start, with local waters already yielding some truly gigantic catches. Two recent stories highlight just how rewarding this time of year can be for anglers.

Monster catfish in Hungary

On 2 May, well-known Hungarian sport angler Krisztián Jankovich, a multiple national record-holder, landed a monster catfish at the Palotás Reservoir in Nógrád County. Using a stealthy approach while standing in the water during bleak spawning season, he hooked what he described as the catch of his life: the fish measured 265 cm in length, had a girth of 116 cm, and weighed a staggering 106 kilograms. After a successful weigh-in and photo, the fish was safely released back into the lake.

This remarkable catch comes close to the national record held by Péter Bányai, who landed a 256-cm, 119.4-kg catfish in June 2024 at Lake Széki in Veszprém County. The Palotás Reservoir is known for producing monster fish, including a 36.4-kg carp and a nearly 100-kg, 229-cm catfish caught in previous seasons.

Danube: Massive bighead carp

Meanwhile, the Ráckeve–Soroksár branch of the Danube (RSD) also delivered a stunning surprise. On 29 April, young but experienced angler Szabolcs Bán was casting with a 2.7-meter spinning rod when he first hooked a 4–5-kg catfish, which he quickly released. Just minutes later, something far bigger struck.

After a dramatic 8–10-minute struggle, Bán brought in a massive bighead carp weighing around 60 kilograms and measuring roughly 125–130 cm. The hook had lodged in the fish’s dorsal fin, classifying it as an external hook, which by Hungarian law requires immediate release—despite the species being invasive and generally prohibited from being returned to the water, Sokszínű Vidék said.

“We wanted to take a great photo with the fish in the water, but it jumped out of my hands and escaped,” Bán said. “I would’ve released it anyway, but the rules are strict about foul-hooked fish.”

These stories prove that Hungary’s lakes and rivers are teeming with giant fish as the 2025 season begins. Whether you’re fishing at Palotás Reservoir or along the RSD, now is the time when angler dreams just might come true.

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