Ep 5. Catfish King

In the fifth episode of Monster Fish season 1, titled "Catfish King," host Zeb Hogan travels to the Mekong River Basin in Thailand in search of the world's largest catfish. The Mekong River is home to many species of catfish, but the one that Hogan is most interested in is the Mekong giant catfish, which can weigh up to 700 pounds and grow up to 10 feet long.

Hogan begins his search by meeting with local fishermen who have fished the Mekong River for decades. They share stories of the giant catfish that they have caught and seen in the past, and give Hogan valuable insight into where he might be able to find one.

Using a variety of techniques, including handline fishing and netting, Hogan and his team search the river for the elusive Mekong giant catfish. The conditions are challenging, with strong currents and murky water making it difficult to locate the fish. However, after several days of searching, Hogan finally gets a bite.

The battle to bring in the giant catfish is intense, with Hogan struggling to keep the massive fish from breaking the line. As the minutes tick by, Hogan and his team gradually tire out the catfish, and eventually they are able to bring it to the surface. The giant catfish weighs in at over 500 pounds, making it one of the largest fish Hogan has ever caught.

Throughout the episode, Hogan also discusses the conservation challenges facing the Mekong River Basin. The region is home to many critically endangered species, including the Mekong giant catfish. Habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing are all threatening the survival of these species, and Hogan highlights the importance of protecting the river and its inhabitants.

Overall, "Catfish King" is a thrilling and informative episode of Monster Fish that showcases the incredible diversity and importance of the Mekong River Basin. Through Hogan's search for the Mekong giant catfish, viewers are able to learn about the challenges facing this unique ecosystem and the efforts being made to protect it.