Three anglers have caught a massive white catfish that was so large it could barely fit into their boat.

The trio refused to reveal the exact location where they caught white giant but according to local media, it happened in a reservoir in South Moravia, in the Czech Republic on the night of 21st September, and the photos have now been published.

Images show the enormous fish stretched across the length of their small vessel as the men struggle to lift it for photographs.

Stepan Pleva, 25, who caught the fish with his girlfriend Barbora and his younger brother Sima, recalled: "Its glow illuminated the entire area. Like a ray of sunlight piercing the darkest depths, the fish rose to the surface."

The anglers said they released the catfish back into the water after recording its size and weight.

Reports did not confirm the fish’s exact measurements, but experts say from the look of it the albino catfish probably exceeded 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) in length and weighed more than 100 kilogrammes (220 lbs).

Picture shows Stepan with his girlfriend Barbora and the fish, undated. He caught the albino catfish. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (@stepanpleva_fishing/newsX)

As he reeled it in, Stepan said: "I also gave the rod to my brother and Barbora so they could feel this power too."

He added: "This moment is indelibly etched in our memories."

(Mike Leidig / newsX)