An amateur angler has made a remarkable catch, potentially securing the UK’s largest freshwater fish ever caught by rod.
Darren Reitz, a 34-year-old binman from Rainham, east London, attributes “luck” as the crucial factor in landing the colossal catfish, weighing in at 143lb (64.4kg). Reitz recounts that it took him and three companions roughly 50 minutes to successfully reel in the mammoth fish at a fishing lake in Maldon, Essex.
Surpassing the previous catfish record of 130lb (58.9kg), the British Record (Rod Caught) Fish Committee has encouraged Reitz to provide details of his remarkable catch.
“My wrist is still aching from the strain of reeling,” shared Reitz. “I never anticipated such a catch.”
Reitz recalls the intense moment when the fish was finally pulled from the water around 22:30 BST on Saturday. “Three of my friends waded into the water with nets because it was that sizable, and I was genuinely concerned we might lose it.”
Reflecting on the experience, Reitz, who only started fishing in 2017, admitted, “I’m just an amateur, seeking tranquility, and any catch is a bonus. This was truly a stroke of luck, I believe. My friends, snug in their tents, might have felt a twinge of envy.”
Recounting the adrenaline-filled scene, Reitz added, “There was a bit of panic as we worked to haul it out. Despite the advice being offered, I was singularly focused on the task at hand. It was indeed a colossal beast.”
The catfish, affectionately dubbed Scar, has been released back into the water. Paul Tallowin, co-owner of Chigborough Farm & Fisheries, where the catch was made, speculated that while it’s an impressive catch, it might not be the largest inhabitant of the lakes.
“The catfish typically add around 7lbs (3.2kg) to their weight annually, suggesting this one could be around 45 years old. I suspect there might be even larger specimens lurking. Their size largely depends on their diet. Nevertheless, this catch is currently the biggest on record. Congratulations on the remarkable achievement.”
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