Ep 4. Monster Fish: Local Legends

In this episode of Monster Fish, titled "Local Legends," biologist and angler Zeb Hogan is on a mission to uncover the truth behind some of the most fascinating fish legends in North America. For years, locals in various parts of the continent have told tales of monstrous fish lurking beneath the surface of their lakes, rivers, and streams. Some say these fish are so big that they could swallow a human whole! Zeb is determined to find out if there is any truth to these stories.

Zeb starts his investigation in West Virginia, where he meets up with a group of avid anglers that claim to have seen a massive fish swimming in the New River. According to legend, this fish is over six feet long and could be as much as 200 pounds! Zeb joins them on a fishing trip down the river to see if they can catch a glimpse of this supposed monster fish. After a few hours of casting their lines, one of the anglers gets a bite. With Zeb's help, he reels in a huge flathead catfish that measures over four feet long and weighs close to 80 pounds! While it's not the six-foot behemoth they were hoping for, it's still an impressive catch and proof that there are some giant fish lurking in the New River.

Next, Zeb travels to Montana to investigate a legend about a prehistoric fish known as the paddlefish. According to locals, this fish has been swimming in the Yellowstone River for millions of years and can grow to over seven feet long and weigh as much as 200 pounds! Zeb meets up with a team of researchers who are studying these ancient fish and even gets to go out on a research boat to catch a few. With their long, paddle-shaped rostrums, these fish look like something out of a Jurassic Park movie. Zeb tests their DNA to see just how old they really are, and the results are astonishing.

In Florida, Zeb investigates a legend about a fish that is so venomous, it can kill a human with just one sting. The fish in question is the stonefish, which is more commonly found in the Pacific region but has started appearing in Florida's waters in recent years. Zeb joins a team of marine biologists who are studying the stonefish to find out why they've migrated so far from their native habitat. They catch one of these poisonous fish and dissect it to study its anatomy. Zeb learns that the stonefish's venom is one of the most powerful toxins in the animal kingdom and can cause intense pain, paralysis, and even death in humans.

Finally, Zeb travels to Minnesota to investigate a legend about a fish that can walk on land! Yes, you read that right. According to locals, the northern snakehead fish has the ability to "walk" on its fins and move across land for short distances. Zeb meets up with a group of anglers who are trying to catch this elusive fish. They take him to a secret location where they'd spotted a snakehead in the past. After a few hours of searching, Zeb spots a fish swimming near the shore. As he gets closer, he sees that it's a snakehead and watches in amazement as it slithers its way up onto the bank and starts moving across the ground! Zeb captures the whole thing on camera and can't believe his eyes.

Overall, "Local Legends" is a fascinating episode of Monster Fish that explores some of the most intriguing fish stories in North America. Whether you believe in these legends or not, there's no denying that Zeb's investigation is both informative and entertaining. If you're a fan of fishing, biology, or just good old-fashioned storytelling, then this episode is a must-see.