The fish was caught by species fanatic Steve Ricketts from a southern gravel pit, weighed 11lb 3oz and left him ‘close to finding religion’ when he saw it surface. It measured 47 inches in length with a staggering 12-inch girth.

The checks have been completed and confirmed that Steve’s capture tops the previous record of 11lb 2oz, caught in 1978 by Steve Terry whilst carp fishing on Hampshire’s Kingfisher Lake. Interestingly, Steve Ricketts also had his fish on a bait best associated with carp – a pellet! Although, he was targeting eels by design.

He told us “The pits I usually fish in the Colne Valley were ruined by the creation of the HS2 railway, so I joined a southern gravel pit where there are plenty of good-sized eels and just enjoy my fishing. This water is also home to plenty of carp, and the guys targeting them often feed beds of pellet and fish a boilie over the top. I’ve found that, when fishing deadbaits and worms, you get pestered by ‘bootlaces’ – the bigger fish are preoccupied with pellets.”

He’s had great results on 16mm halibuts, landing eels over 5lb on every trip he’s had to the venue. “On this session, I’d landed two four-pounders plus a ‘six’, before I had a bite just after 7:30pm. I’d actually set my camera up to record the run, and hooked a fish that took line initially. It was quite calm after that, and I didn’t think it was that big. But when I saw it surface, I shouted out in shock. My landing net has three-foot arms, and with the fish’s head at the spreader block, a load it was still hanging out!”

After folding the fish into the net, Steve weighed it on his digital scales which initially gave a weight of 11lb 5oz. “I couldn’t believe that, so got out my Salter match scales, which are very sensitive. They read 11lb 3oz. I then called a few witnesses, including National Anguilla Club Records Officer, Tony Kellner.”

Well done Steve and congratulations on such an awesome achievement!