Call of the Wild: The Angler offers players the thrill of fishing in diverse virtual waters, presenting a variety of species to catch. For those aiming to reel in the largest fish, understanding their characteristics and preferences is crucial. This article delves into the top three biggest (by weight) fish in the game. Each of these species provides a unique challenge and a rewarding experience for dedicated anglers.
This guide covers the top 3 fish by weight in Call of the Wild: The Angler, helping anglers target the top 3 biggest fish in the game efficiently. If you’re looking to land the biggest fish in the game, this article provides essential details to improve your chances.
#3 African Sharptooth Catfish – The Freshwater Challenger
We start off with the 3rd biggest fish in the game, which is none other than the Africal Sharptooth Catfish which can be found in Izilo Zasendulo (the South Africa DLC).
The African Sharptooth Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) can reach weights up to 35 kg (77.16 lbs). This eel-like, air-breathing catfish is found throughout Africa and the Middle East and has been introduced to various other regions for aquaculture purposes.
Habitat and Behavior
In the game, African Sharptooth Catfish inhabit:
- Shallow Lakes
- Deep Lakes
- Upriver
- Middle River
- River Mouth
They are more active during nighttime and prefer water temperatures between 7.0°C and 27.0°C (44.6°F – 80.6°F), with an ideal temperature around 17.0°C (62.6°F). These catfish are bottom dwellers, often found at depths ranging from 5.0m to 120.0m (16.4ft – 393.7ft).
Bait and Lure Preferences
To effectively catch African Sharptooth Catfish, consider using the following baits and lures:
These baits have been identified as effective in catching African Sharptooth Catfish.
Traits
African Sharptooth Catfish exhibit the following traits:
- Bottom Lurker: Prefers swimming closer to the bottom.
- Hard Fighter: Puts up a strong fight when hooked.
- Night Owl: More active during nighttime.
Real Life Trivia
The African Sharptooth Catfish is one of the most widespread species of catfish, found in freshwater environments across Africa and parts of the Middle East. Known for its ability to survive in extreme conditions, it can breathe air and move across land using its pectoral fins when water sources dry up. This species is an important food source in many regions and is commonly farmed due to its rapid growth rate and resilience.
Sources:
- Wikipedia: African Sharptooth Catfish
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
#2 Sakhalin Taimen – The Elusive Predator
At number 2, the second biggest fish in COTW: The Angler comes from the Japan Reserve DLC and it’s the elusive Sakhalin Taimen.
The Sakhalin Taimen (Parahucho perryi) can weigh up to 67.44 kg (148.68 lbs). Also known as the Japanese Huchen or Stringfish, this species is native to the lakes and large rivers of Far Eastern Russia and Hokkaido, Japan.
Habitat and Behavior
In the game, Sakhalin Taimen are found in:
- Deep Lakes
- Middle River
- River Mouth
They are active during both daytime and nighttime, favoring water temperatures between 3.0°C and 15.0°C (37.4°F – 59.0°F), with an ideal temperature of 10.0°C (50.0°F). They typically inhabit depths from 0.3m to 10.0m (0.98ft – 32.8ft).
Bait and Lure Preferences
Effective baits and lures for Sakhalin Taimen include:
These have been noted as preferred choices for this species.
Traits
Sakhalin Taimen possess the following traits:
- Aggressive: Strikes directly without nibbling.
- Keen Senses: Can detect food from a great distance and responds well to lures.
- Last Stand: Exhibits renewed vigor when close to being caught.
Real Life Trivia
Sakhalin Taimen is considered one of the largest and longest-living species of salmonids, with some individuals reaching over 50 years of age. Native to the Russian Far East and parts of Japan, this fish is an apex predator, feeding on smaller fish, birds, and even small mammals. Due to habitat loss and overfishing, the species is classified as endangered, with conservation efforts in place to protect its declining populations.
Sources:
- Wikipedia: Sakhalin Taimen
- IUCN Red List
#1 Biggest Fish: Wels Catfish – The Aquatic Giant
And at number one, the biggest fish in Call of the Wild: The Angler game is the gargantuan Wels Catfish which is found in Aguas Claras Municipio (Spain DLC).
The Wels Catfish (Silurus glanis) is the largest fish in the game, reaching weights up to 70 kg (154.32 lbs). Native to central, southern, and eastern Europe, it has been introduced to various parts of Western Europe and Asia.
Habitat and Behavior
In the game, Wels Catfish are located in:
- Shallow Lakes
- Deep Lakes
- Upriver
- Middle River
- River Mouth
They are nocturnal, being more active during nighttime, and prefer water temperatures between 15.0°C and 23.0°C (59.0°F – 73.4°F), ideally around 18.0°C (64.4°F). They are bottom dwellers, found at depths ranging from 5.0m to 30.0m (16.4ft – 98.4ft).
Bait and Lure Preferences
To target Wels Catfish, the following baits and lures are effective:
These are among the top preferences for Wels Catfish in COTW: The Angler game.
Traits
Wels Catfish exhibit these traits:
- Bottom Lurker: Prefers swimming close to the bottom.
- Hard Fighter: Puts up a significant fight when hooked.
- Night Owl: More active during nighttime.
Real Life Trivia
The Wels Catfish is one of the largest freshwater fish in Europe, with recorded specimens exceeding 100 kg (220 lbs) in weight. It is known for its opportunistic feeding habits, consuming fish, amphibians, birds, and even small mammals. This species has gained notoriety for reports of attacking waterfowl and even small pets. Due to its size and strength, Wels Catfish is a popular target for sport anglers, particularly in regions like Spain and Italy where it has been introduced.
Sources:
- Wikipedia: Wels Catfish
- European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission (EIFAC)
Tips for Anglers
- Time of Day: All three species are more active during nighttime, so plan your fishing trips accordingly.
- Bait Selection: Using the preferred baits and lures increases the chances of a successful catch.
- Water Temperature: Pay attention to the water temperature ranges to find these species in their ideal conditions.
- Patience is Key: Larger fish put up stronger fights, so ensure your gear is suitable for a prolonged battle.
- Understanding Depth: Fishing at the right depths improves the likelihood of landing these species.
By understanding the habitats, behaviors, and preferences of these top 3 biggest fish in the game, anglers can enhance their fishing experience in Call of the Wild: The Angler. If you’re aiming to catch the biggest fish in the game, following these strategies will give you the best chance of success.
Happy fishing!