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UK Record Catfish: Shaun Ing Lands 150lb Monster Moggie at Chigborough Fisheries
Carp Social | Feature Date: September 2024
Chigborough Fisheries, a popular day ticket complex in Essex, has a new lake record Catfish!
A UK angler has described landing the biggest-ever catfish recorded in the country as a “dream come true.”
Shaun Ing caught a massive 150lb (68kg) catfish at Chigborough Fisheries near Maldon, Essex, on 28th September 2024. The epic battle to reel in the fish lasted an hour and a half, which Shaun described as “absolute madness.”
Having the catch officially verified by the British Record (Rod-Caught) Fish Committee was a “massive relief,” he said.
“I’m chuffed to bits – this has been a long time coming,” Shaun added.
The record-breaking fish surpassed the previous best at the lake, a 143lb (64.4kg) catfish caught in May 2024.
Shaun was fishing with his wife, Chloe, and friends when the enormous catfish took his bright yellow bait. Measuring more than 8ft (2.4m) long, the fish was so powerful it even bent the hook on the weighing scales.
Shaun explained that his friends couldn’t assist until he brought the fish closer to the bank.
“Even an hour into the fight, the fish was still taking line, and we were all wondering, ‘When is this going to end?’”
Having started fishing with his grandfather at the age of six, Shaun described his passion as more than a hobby.
“It’s not a hobby; it’s an obsession.”
He added that his grandfather would be “so proud, he’d be shouting it from the rooftops.” Shaun also praised Chigborough Fisheries, calling the record a “great accolade” for the venue and saying he couldn’t have achieved it without their support.
Carp Social previously reported Chigborough Fisheries’ lake record catfish in 2019 - A 136lb specimen caught by Craig Wayman.
Before Shaun’s 150lb record, Carp Social reported Craig Wayman’s capture of the Maldon monster moggie back in September 2019 at a whopping 136lb. Craig, assisted by his friend Jason Downs, battled the giant for nearly an hour.
Jason recalled: “I jumped in with my waders on to net it, but when it surfaced I thought, that’s not going in the net! Somehow I managed to roll the fish up and slip the net underneath it, but when I tried to lift it I realised the weight of the thing!”
The fish had to be lifted safely onto two Trakker unhooking mats. It fell for a 2ft Zig Rig baited with a Zig Bug, proving irresistible for this day-ticket monster. Craig’s incredible 136lb catfish stood as the unofficial UK record for several years until more recent captures, including Shaun Ing’s 150lb specimen, took the spotlight.
Chigborough Fisheries: A Premier UK Catfish Venue
Dreaming of Catching Giant Catfish in Spain?
If stories like these inspire you to target even bigger catfish abroad, Spain offers some of Europe’s best catfish fishing holidays. The River Ebro, famous for its enormous Wels catfish, attracts anglers from all over the world hoping to beat their personal best. Booking a catfish fishing holiday in Spain gives you the chance to experience warm weather, breathtaking scenery, and the possibility of landing a fish exceeding 200lb. Many guided trips include accommodation, tackle hire, and expert local knowledge — perfect for both seasoned anglers and those looking for their first overseas fishing adventure.
Compiled by Carp Social | October 2025
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Carp Social upholds journalistic rights to report freely, responsibly, and in accordance with UK legal standards, but disclaims any liability for errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.
British Catfish Record: The Biggest Catfish Ever Caught in the UK
A new British catfish record has been set with the capture of a truly enormous specimen weighing 150lb. The impressive fish, landed after a long and hard-fought battle, represents a milestone moment for UK angling. Verified by the British Record (Rod-Caught) Fish Committee, the capture highlights just how far the UK’s catfish scene has come in recent years, with more venues now producing fish of extraordinary size and condition.
Breaking Records: The Story Behind the UK’s Biggest Catfish
The UK catfish record has been broken with the capture of an incredible 150lb fish, highlighting the growing popularity of catfish fishing in the UK. Such record-breaking captures demonstrate not only the quality of fisheries but also why more anglers are considering a dedicated catfish holiday to experience the thrill of landing trophy specimens. This official record has inspired many to plan trips focused on targeting large catfish, whether at home or abroad.