Lucky anglers will feel the most accomplished when they wrestle with and reel in a fish they can be proud of. We’ve put together a list of 20 most difficult-to-catch fish around the globe. You can fish for these rare species of fish if you are passionate about fishing.
The World’s Most Dangerous Fish
SAILFISH
Sailfish are beautiful fish that can be found in subtropical and tropical waters deeper than 9m. Sailfish can travel at speeds of more than 125 km/h, making them difficult to capture. Sailfish are among the most agile creatures in the sea and can put up a great fight once hooked.
GIANT TREVALLY
One of the most difficult fish is the Giant Trevally or GT. Because of its size and stamina, it is difficult to reel in this huge fish.
SWORDFISH
Swordfish can be difficult to catch. Anyone who has caught one of these massive creatures of the sea will know how difficult it is to catch them. The swordfish are one of the most endurance-rich fish.
YELLOWFIN TUNA
The Yellowfin Tuna is found in the warm waters off the Pacific Ocean. They can be tough to catch. You should be prepared to travel a long distance to get a Yellowfin tuna to add to your fishing bucket.
ATLANTIC SALMON
Salmon are an unusual fish because they can live both in saltwater and freshwater throughout their lives. They spawn in freshwater streams and then move on to the Atlantic Ocean.
Because of their rarity, Atlantic Salmon is becoming increasingly difficult to catch. Although this fish is now endangered in the United States of America, it is still possible to obtain a salmon fishing license in Canada.
DORADO
There are many names for the Dorado fish. It might be more well-known as the Dolphinfish or the Mahi Mahi.
This fish is a rare catch. These fish are also the most difficult to catch. Dorado are quick swimmers and can often evade fishing hooks. They are resourceful and quick-thinking. Dorado can hide under logs and boats. To keep them from becoming hooked, they will also propel themselves out of water.
WAHOO
The Wahoo is sometimes called a “torpedo with fins” and it lives up to that moniker. The Wahoo is capable of reaching speeds of more than 80 km/hour. This means that if you aren’t quick on the reel, you can reel out several metres of line in just seconds.
Warm, tropical waters are where Wahoo can be found. They prefer to be around coral reefs where there are many smaller fish.
BARRACUDA
The Barracuda is a very ugly fish. The Barracuda’s rows of sharp, large teeth make it look formidable. Barracuda can grow up to 2m in height.
You should avoid shallower waters around reefs or rocky outcrops if you want to catch a barracuda. Barracudas can be found in tropical or subtropical water.
LAKE TROUT
Because of their restricted location, Lake Trout can be difficult to catch. Lake Trout can only be found in certain areas of North America. They live only in lakes and reservoirs.
Lake Trout is the largest species, and most popular, of char. They live between 20 and 50 years, and can reach sizes of up to 45 kilograms.
MUSKIE
Another native fish to North America is the Muskie. The Muskie is the largest pike fish. Muskies are notoriously difficult to catch because of the speed and energy they have when hooked. Muskie are not very strong so if you hook one and manage to resist the first big run of fish, it shouldn’t be too difficult to reel him in.
APACHE TROUT
Because there are so few of the Apache Trout left, it is very difficult to catch them. The Apache Trout, a salmon-like fish, can only be found in mountain streams.
You can’t take an apache trout home with you if you are lucky enough to catch one. Apache Trout are currently endangered. However, anglers who are looking for a challenge have many catch-and release options.
ARCTIC CHAR
Because of its location, the Arctic Char is a hard species of fish to catch. The Arctic Char is another member of the salmon family. It lives in the Arctic Ocean’s frigid waters.
GOLIATH TIGERFISH
The Arctic Char is difficult because it is cold, but the Goliath Tigerfish, which is located in the Congo River Basin, is also difficult to catch.
However, it is much more difficult to reel in the Goliath Tigerfish than simply navigating the Congo River Basin. Goliath Tigerfish can grow up to 50kg and have sharp teeth. Goliath Tigerfish are known for attacking humans.
The article was written by a professional charter captain at Salty Knots Fishing Charters with 15+ years of experience in the Gulf of Mexico. is a local fishing charter service based out of St. Pete Beach, Florida. “We know what it takes to catch a giant trophy fish!”
