Darren Reitz, a 34-year-old amateur angler from Rainham, United Kingdom, recently made headlines after catching a record-breaking catfish weighing 143 pounds (64.4kg) from a lake in Maldon, Essex. The fish, which Reitz dubbed “monster,” took four people an hour to reel in, with three of his friends entering the water with nets to assist. Despite his day job as a garbageman, Reitz enjoys spending time on the water for relaxation, but never expected to reel in such a massive catch.
Reitz recounted how he spent 14 hours on the water without a single bite before finally hooking the enormous catfish. His friends initially panicked when they realized the size of the fish, but with their help, Reitz was able to successfully bring it in. The previous catfish record in the UK was 130 pounds (58.9kg), making Reitz’s catch a new record for the country. The fish was named Scar before being released back into the lake.
Paul Tallowin, co-owner of Chigborough Farm & Fisheries where the fish was caught, mentioned that while Scar may be the largest catfish caught at the moment, there are likely even bigger ones in the lake. Catfish typically gain about 7 pounds (3.2kg) per year, indicating that Scar could be around 45 years old. The size of catfish can vary depending on the amount and quality of food available in their environment.
Reitz, who considers himself an amateur angler, was surprised by the size of the fish he caught, describing it as a “monster.” While he usually goes fishing for relaxation and peace and quiet, the thrill of reeling in such a massive catch was undoubtedly an exciting experience for him. Reitz’s friends who were with him during the catch also played a crucial role in ensuring that the catfish was successfully brought in.
The news of Reitz’s record-breaking catch spread quickly, with media outlets covering the impressive feat. The catfish, named Scar, was released back into the lake after being measured and weighed, allowing it to continue its life in the waters of Maldon, Essex. Reitz’s unexpected success in catching the largest freshwater fish in the UK serves as a reminder of the thrill and unpredictability of fishing, even for those who consider themselves amateurs in the sport.
