Darren Reitz, a 34-year-old angler from Rainham, has caught the largest freshwater fish in the United Kingdom, a 143-pound catfish. Reitz caught the massive fish in Maldon, Essex, and says it was a stroke of luck. It took four people an hour to bring the catfish in from the lake, with Reitz’s friends entering the water with nets to ensure they didn’t lose it.
Reitz, who works as a garbageman during the day, spent 14 hours on the water before finally hooking the record-breaking catfish late into the night. The previous record for a catfish in the UK was 130 pounds, making Reitz’s catch a significant accomplishment. The fish was named Scar before being released back into the lake. Despite describing himself as an amateur fisherman, Reitz was thrilled with his unexpected success, calling the catfish a “monster.”
The co-owner of Chigborough Farm & Fisheries, where the fish was brought in, confirmed that the catfish was likely around 45 years old and may not be the largest in the lake. Catfish can gain around 7 pounds a year, depending on their diet, so there may be even bigger catfish swimming in the waters of the lake. Reitz’s catch is currently the largest on record, but there may be others out there that are even larger.
Reitz shared that he often goes out on the water for peace and quiet, hoping to catch fish along the way. While he did not expect to reel in such a massive catfish, he was thrilled with the experience. Despite his amateur status, Reitz’s catch has gained attention and admiration from fellow anglers and fishing enthusiasts. The successful catch also highlights the diversity and size of the fish that can be found in UK waters, showcasing the excitement and challenge of fishing in the region.
Overall, Reitz’s record-breaking catch of a 143-pound catfish in the UK is a significant achievement for the amateur angler. His perseverance and patience paid off as he reeled in the massive fish after a long day on the water. The catfish, named Scar, has been released back into the lake, but Reitz’s accomplishment will be remembered as he joins the ranks of UK anglers who have made history with their fishing exploits. The excitement and thrill of fishing are captured in this story of an unexpected and remarkable catch that has set a new standard in the UK fishing community.
