Culture. Art. Gelato. The third most beautiful city in the world according to Forbes magazine. Wels catfish on the fly? Welcome to Florence, Italy.
Although this city is famous for its history and tradition of museums, churches, and specialized leather boutiques, during my study abroad experience as a junior in college, there was one item on my agenda that I never would have expected to make my trip: catching one of the biggest Wels Catfish on fly in the world known to date. With the fish consisting of 173 centimeters (68 inches) and estimated to be over 150 pounds, not only was this the fish of a lifetime, it was a perfect example of how a leap of faith is necessary to strengthen a fly-fisherman’s passion even in the most unpredictable environments.
After having visited every single historical site possible in Florence since arriving in late January, by the time May came around, my urge to fish became unbearable. As any other avid fly-fisherman would tell you, no matter what vacation or trip may be going on, the thought of “where can I fish here” never ceases to arrive in my thoughts. Deciding to not partake in another weekend excursion with my roommates, I did some research online and soon met up with Oliver, the owner and head of Fishing in Florence. Immediately I decided to book a day trip, and after meeting up with Ollie over a beer at one of the local pubs in the heart of Florence, I soon learned of a new species that I never realized could be caught on a fly: the Wels catfish. Not only did Ollie explain the difficulty and skill that is required to land one of these fish on the fly, but he also told me that prime conditions for these fish being sought after on the fly usually begins in June. However, with my limited time left in Florence and a departure date of May 16th set in the books, we planned a trip and headed out the very next week.
Meeting at 5:00AM at the Ponte della Grazie in the heart of Florence, we waited for our transfer and were driven approximately twenty minutes up the Arno River. Still being early in the season and with the heat of the Tuscan sun playing a drastic role in keeping these fish low in the water column, the fishing was tough. Although the fishing was difficult, spending the day fishing in deep, cool pools throughout the Arno River was a sight nonetheless. Stopping to drink a glass of wine and eat Bolognese ravioli at a local Trattoria also made the midday lunch break unforgettable compared to any other fishing trip I have ever been on. With only two fish hooked and none landed, Ollie promised me by the time that I left Florence that we would go out again and make it happen. Just “making it happen” would end up being one hell of an understatement.
Roughly two weeks after our trip, I was sitting in my apartment studying for a management test when I receive a call from Ollie. A local Italian friend had called him the previous night and told him that he had seen a pack of large Wels tailing in less than two feet of water, and that with a full moon, these fish could be stalked on the fly. With Ollie also having his friend and professional guide and angling writer Andy Buckley in town, the two asked me to join them on what would end up being one of the most memorable fishing moments I have ever experienced.
We arrived at a section of the Arno River at roughly 9:30 PM with our 12 wt Sage Xi3’s and Sage 6012 reels ready to go. After putting on the waders and scoping out the water, we found three sections of pools in which we thought the Wels could be eating. The moonlight was not at its prime, but there was still enough light to see into the river and for the Wels to be out hunting.
After casting away at the same pool for about a hour, Ollie decided that we should tie on some flies with more weight in order to see if the fish were suspended, and on the second cast with a new dumbbell, I struck something huge. It felt like I had just jammed my fly into the back of a Ford F-150 truck, and the fish immediately came to the surface. Although I had a headlamp on, I only was able to see the giant tail of the fish and immediately yelled fish on. Ollie and Andy sprinted over to watch me bring in the fish, and to provide me with help on where in the river I should be leading the fish to with my fly rod.
After about 20 minutes, the fish finally came to the surface and we were all in shock when we saw the size of it. At one point we saw the line in the water to the right, and just the tip of the fish’s tail roughly six feet away from the line: showing us the true size of this fish. At about the 25-minute mark, I was able to bring the fish into a slow moving pool, and it immediately spun upside down. As soon as it flipped over, Andy and Ollie grabbed the fish and with many yells and fist pounds, we were able to get the fish up onto the landing mat for pictures.
The Wels was 173 centimeters (68 inches) and is estimated to be between 155-165 pounds. This fish could potentially be the largest Wels ever caught on the fly, especially from the bank (or on a floating line), making this the fish of a lifetime for me. Needless to say, this fish will be forever known as “Big Joe”.
Below is a picture of me (right- gray Patagonia shirt) and Andy Buckley (left – blue Costa shirt) holding the fish. Due to the massive size of the fish, I am forever grateful to have had Ollie and Andy take me out fishing and help land and release the fish safely.
Before leaving for four months of study abroad, I am pretty sure my parents wanted me to “expand” my interests and become more cultural, intelligent, and open to new activities. Although I feel as if I did indeed gain some intelligence and cultural insight during my time in Europe, this story is a true testament to how there will always be one activity and passion that I will always turn to no matter where I am: fly fishing.
If you ever want to catch a Wels of your own on the fly, here is the link to Ollie’s website and guide service:
joepetrowflyfishing 