Do you know what the biggest pole in the world is? You're in for a surprise! This fish, so sought-after for its beauty and combativeness, never ceases to amaze us with its size. We decided to delve into the fascinating world of pole vault records and reveal the most impressive fish ever caught in France and Europe. Discover extraordinary perch that defy the imagination and will make many a mouth water.
Our article in brief
- The biggest pole in the world is 58 cm long. This record-breaking pole was captured in Holland in 2010 by Stephan Gockel
- A pole of 55.5 cm and 3.3 kg was caught in the Netherlands in 2023
- The pole vault record in France is 53 cm
- A record-breaking 50 cm perch was caught by an 8-year-old angler
- Experts estimate that the largest specimens could reach 60 to 65 cm for 3 to 3.5 kg
The world's biggest pole is Dutch
The official world record of the largest pole is 58 cm for an unknown weight. This exceptional perch was caught in 2010 in the Netherlands, more specifically in the Meuse river. This record-breaking perch, caught by Stephan Gockel, has been making fishing history for almost 15 years. It continues to inspire anglers the world over.
World records: poles that push the limits
But, as you know, records are made to be broken. In March 2023, Nicolas Boldo put in a remarkable performance in the Netherlands, catching a pole from 55.5 cm for 3.3 kg. This catch, although slightly smaller than Stephan Gockel's official record, bears witness to the constant evolution in the size of the specimens.
During the same session with Alban Choinier, Nicolas Boldo also came out of the water. two other record-breaking poles. One of the 52 cm and the other 53.5 cm.... That's all there is to it. And to top it all off, these magical shots were filmed.
These multiple catches show that Dutch waters are teeming with real giants.
Here is a summary of the most important pole vault records:
| Size | Weight | Location | Year | Fisherman |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 cm | Not communicated | Meuse, Holland | 2010 | Stephan Gockel |
| 55.5 cm | 3.3 kg | Netherlands | 2023 | Nicolas Boldo |
The record-breaking poles have tended to multiply in recent years. Qhether in France, Holland or Germany, more and more catchesto our great delight.
France is not to be outdone: some remarkable catches
Although the Netherlands seem to dominate the list of big pole vaulters, France is not to be outdone. Visit national record currently stands at 53 cm. This record was equalled in December 2023 by Sébastien Houssain (source LeJSL). Even if it's not the biggest pole in the world, it's still a remarkable performance.
In November 2023, something extraordinary happened in the Cher region of France. Tiago, a young boy of 8, succeeded in capturing a perch of 50 cm. This catch, although not a national record, is exceptional for an angler of his age. In our opinion, it bears witness to the potential of French rivers.
Experts estimate that the largest specimens of perch in France and in the world could reach sizes of between 60 and 65 cmfor a weight of between 3 and 3.5 kg. While these figures are impressive, they have yet to be confirmed by official captures.
Beyond records: myths and realities
To catch a very large perch as we have just described is a rare and remarkable event. Even for the most experienced anglers, landing such a fish is often a matter of luck as much as skill.
To maximise your chances of catching a big bass, here are a few tips we can give you:
- If you're a real specimen hunter, don't hesitate to head for the Dutch or German rivers. They are reputed to be home to some fine specimens. It would not be foolish to think that the biggest pole in the world is currently there
- Use suitable lures fishing for large predators such as pike and zander
- Fish during favourable periods, generally autumn and early spring.
- Be patient and methodical!
Perseverance and knowledge of the environment are key factors in achieving exceptional catches. Don't hesitate to vary your techniques and explore different areas to increase your chances of success.
Towards new pole vault records?
Developments in fishing techniques, combined with better management of fish stocks, mean that new records are likely to be set in the years to come. Anglers the world over are on the lookout, hoping to be the one to make history with an extraordinary catch.
It's exciting to see how the quest for the biggest perch is driving innovation in our field. New lures, refined techniques and a good understanding of fish behaviour all help to push back the boundaries of what's possible.
At Rodmaps, we keep a close eye on these developments and strive to keep you informed of the latest trends and discoveries. Our passion for fishing drives us to constantly explore new horizons, whether in the fresh waters of our regions or on more exotic trips.
Let's not forget that behind every record lies a human story. It's often made up of patience, skill and sometimes a bit of luck. It's this dimension that makes our passion so unique and captivating. Who knows, maybe the next world record is just around the corner...
