How do I catch the Legendary Channel Catfish in RDR2?

Catching the Legendary Channel Catfish in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most challenging fishing tasks in the game. This fish is unique because it cannot be caught through traditional means, and its encounter is tied to the game''s epilogue. To begin, you must first complete the main story and reach the epilogue, as the Legendary Channel Catfish is only accessible after this point.\n\nTo find the Legendary Channel Catfish, head to the southernmost part of the map, near the border of New Austin. The exact location is in the San Luis River, close to the area where the river meets the ocean. Look for a small island with a dock; this is where you will find the fish. However, unlike other legendary fish, you cannot reel it in. Instead, the encounter is scripted and serves as a narrative conclusion to the Legendary Fish questline.\n\nBefore attempting to catch the Legendary Channel Catfish, ensure you have the Special River Lure. This lure is essential for catching legendary fish and can be purchased from the bait shop in Lagras, located in the Bayou Nwa region. If you haven''t already, complete the mission ''A Fisher of Fish'' given by Jeremy Gill, who will provide you with the Legendary Fish Map. This map marks the locations of all legendary fish, including the Channel Catfish.\n\nWhen you arrive at the San Luis River, equip your fishing rod and attach the Special River Lure. Cast your line into the water near the dock. The Legendary Channel Catfish will bite, but after a brief struggle, the line will break. This is intentional and part of the game''s story. Jeremy Gill will later send you a letter explaining that the fish is too large to be caught, concluding the questline.\n\nFor players looking to maximize their fishing experience, it''s important to understand the game''s fishing mechanics. Use the left stick to control the direction of your cast and the right stick to reel in the fish. When a fish bites, hold the right stick down to set the hook, then alternate between reeling and pulling the rod upward to tire the fish out. However, remember that the Legendary Channel Catfish cannot be fully caught, so don''t waste time trying to reel it in.\n\nOne common challenge players face is locating the exact spot for the Legendary Channel Catfish. If you''re having trouble, use the in-game map to navigate to the southern edge of the San Luis River. Look for the small island with a dock, as this is the only place where the fish can be encountered. Additionally, ensure you have completed all other legendary fish quests, as the Channel Catfish is the final one in the series.\n\nIn summary, catching the Legendary Channel Catfish is more about the story than the actual catch. Complete the main story, reach the epilogue, and head to the San Luis River with the Special River Lure. Cast your line near the dock, and let the game''s narrative unfold. While you won''t add this fish to your compendium, the encounter is a memorable conclusion to the Legendary Fish questline.