Chasing Goonch Catfish in Tiger Country & Goliath Tigerfish in the Congo | David Graham (Boundless Pursuit) | Ep. 1017

On the Tom Rowland Podcast, David Graham of Boundless Pursuit recaps intense international fishing adventures driven by his desire to “overcome” difficult fisheries. Fresh from India, he describes targeting the rare goonch catfish in the Ramganga River near Jim Corbett Park, where tigers and leopards roam and recent attacks underscored the danger; he details guides, bait, heavy tackle, and improvised rock sinkers, and landing two goonch in 10 days. He also revisits his Republic of Congo trip for goliath tigerfish, explaining the complex logistics arranged through lodge owners Mark and Hilly, the harsh realities along the river, and the explosive fight that finally produced a major fish on day eight. Graham discusses conservation, sustainable tourism, planning, and funding trips while working a regular job and raising two daughters.00:00 Welcome And Sponsor00:34 Catching Up After Years01:29 Why India And The Goonch04:36 River Habitat And Dam Impact07:02 Ten Days Two Fish08:13 Finding Guides And Access10:09 Tigers Leopards And Real Danger14:13 Packraft Mission And Pug Marks16:45 Leopard At Camp19:01 Bait Tackle And Rock Weights25:08 Wels Catfish Side Quest28:23 What A Goonch Looks Like31:09 Goonch River Adaptations31:49 Brutal Fights In Rapids32:54 Monster Head Close Up33:26 Can You Go Back35:42 Guides And Planning38:16 Congo Tigerfish Tease40:26 Congo Lodge Connections43:03 VIP Entry Logistics46:43 River Scale And Risks49:45 Wildlife Gone Missing50:36 Tigerfish Mystery And Teeth54:38 Village Life Perspective58:14 Gifts For The Kids01:00:19 KabeKabe Dance Ritual01:02:13 Eighth Day Breakthrough01:05:43 Goliath Power Runs01:06:38 Mist And Bite Window01:07:35 Ferocious Surface Attacks01:08:48 Eighth Day Hookup01:10:52 Landing And Aftermath01:11:46 Bizarre Jaw Anatomy01:13:32 Sustainable Tigerfish Future01:15:49 Congo Logistics And Optics01:21:30 Safety And Risk Limits01:25:24 Finding Fish By Local Names01:28:44 Why He Chases Friction01:34:21 Funding Trips And Sacrifice01:37:50 Wrap Up And Where To Follow