Jeremy Wade’s UNEXPECTED and ACCIDENTAL Catches | River Monsters

Jeremy Wade

British television presenter and author

Jeremy Wade, the host of the popular documentary series River Monsters, has had his fair share of unexpected and accidental catches throughout his expeditions. Here are some notable examples:

credit photos: River Monsters

Giant Stingray: While searching for bull sharks in Australia’s Brisbane River, Wade stumbled upon a massive giant stingray, weighing around 280 pounds. He spent nearly four hours reeling it in, describing the experience as “no finesse” due to the stingray’s powerful suction.
Queensland Grouper: During the same expedition in Australia, Wade accidentally caught a gigantic Queensland Grouper, a species known for its ability to change sex from female to male. This unexpected catch added to the excitement of his journey.
Goonch Catfish: In the Himalayan foothills, locals reported people going missing in the river, attributing it to a giant fish. Wade investigated and caught a 161-pound Goonch catfish, confirming the legend and providing a thrilling episode for River Monsters.
Unknown Fish: In another instance, Wade’s team accidentally caught an unknown fish species while filming in the Congo River. Although he didn’t initially recognize the species, further examination revealed it to be a previously undescribed fish.

These unexpected and accidental catches not only added excitement to Wade’s expeditions but also contributed to the show’s educational value, providing insights into the diversity and mystery of freshwater fish species around the world.

Notable Mentions

Wade’s largest freshwater catch ever was the giant African bull shark, which took him 2.5 hours to reel in and weighed almost 500 pounds.
He has traveled extensively, filming episodes in various locations, including the Congo, Amazon rainforests, and rivers in England, Scotland, Cambodia, Canada, Germany, Spain, Colombia, Bolivia, Iceland, Norway, Greenland, Argentina, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and Papua.

Jeremy Wade’s Background

Born on March 23, 1956, in Ipswich, England
Raised in Nayland, where his father was a vicar
Attended Dean Close School and holds a degree in zoology from Bristol University and a postgraduate teaching certificate in biological sciences from the University of Kent
Worked as a secondary school biology teacher in Kent
Fluent in Portuguese, French, and Spanish, acquired through his extensive travels and fishing expeditions

Rod and Reel:

Rod: Choose a rod with a suitable action and length for the type of fish you’re targeting. For example, a medium-heavy rod is good for bass fishing.
Reel: A spinning reel or baitcasting reel is commonly used for river fishing. Consider the size of the reel based on the line weight you’ll be using.

Line:

Line weight: Choose a line weight appropriate for the size of fish you’re targeting and the conditions of the river.
Line type: Consider using a braided line for increased sensitivity and abrasion resistance, or a monofilament line for better casting.

Hooks:

Hook size: Select hooks that are appropriate for the size of fish you’re targeting.
Hook style: Different hook styles, such as worm hooks, jig hooks, or crankbait hooks, can be used for various fishing techniques.

Lures and Baits:

Live bait: Minnows, worms, and crickets are popular live bait options for river fishing.
Artificial lures: Jigs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures are effective for catching a variety of fish.

Accessories:

Fishing pliers: Essential for removing hooks and cutting line.
Fishing net: For landing fish.
Fishing vest or tackle box: To store and organize your gear.
Hat and sunglasses: To protect yourself from the sun.
Sunscreen: To protect your skin from the sun.
Insect repellent: To ward off mosquitoes and other insects.

Additional Considerations:

Local regulations: Check local fishing regulations for any specific requirements or restrictions.
Weather conditions: Dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for changing conditions.
River conditions: Be aware of the river’s current, depth, and obstacles.

By packing these essential items, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful fishing trip to the river.