Teen anglers in Singapore reel in giant catfish at Punggol Park, release it safely
A group of young anglers caught a giant catfish at Punggol Park after a 30-minute struggle, later releasing it safely back into the water after removing tangled fishing lines.
- A group of young anglers caught a giant catfish estimated at up to 1.6m long at Punggol Park.
- The fish took about 30 minutes to reel in and drew a crowd of onlookers.
- After removing tangled fishing lines, the group released the fish back into the water.
SINGAPORE: A routine fishing trip at Punggol Park turned remarkable on 12 April 2026, when a group of young anglers successfully caught a massive catfish after a prolonged struggle.
The group, led by 13-year-old Jayden, spent around 30 minutes battling the fish before finally bringing it ashore with assistance from two nearby adults.
The catch quickly attracted attention, with a small crowd gathering to witness the unusually large fish, which Jayden estimated to be about 1.6 metres in length.
Dramatic struggle to land the fish
According to the anglers, the fish put up significant resistance, making it one of the toughest catches they had experienced at the park.
Another member of the group estimated the fish’s weight to be between 20kg and 50kg, suggesting it could be among the largest ever caught at the location.
Despite the excitement, the group prioritised handling the fish carefully once it was brought onto land.
Fish found entangled in lines
Upon closer inspection, the anglers discovered that the catfish was heavily tangled in multiple fishing lines.
They took time to carefully remove the entanglements, ensuring the fish was not further harmed during the process.
After freeing it, the group made the decision to release the catfish back into the water, allowing it to swim away safely.
Fishing regulations in Singapore
Fishing activities in Singapore are regulated, with designated areas set by PUB to ensure safety and sustainability.
These zones are selected based on several factors, including the safety of anglers, proximity to other water users, and operational needs.
Fishing areas are clearly marked with signage and blue railings to distinguish permitted zones from restricted ones.
