Angler reels in Britain’s largest ever freshwater eel after ‘shouting out in shock’ when he saw its size on his hook in the water

An angler is celebrating after he reeled in Britain’s largest ever freshwater eel breaking a 46-year record that was thought to be unbeatable. 

Steve Ricketts ‘shouted in shock’ when he saw the size of the 11lbs 3oz and 47 inch long eel on his hook in the water. 

It is estimated that the monster eel – which has a girth of 12 inches and was caught in a lake in Kent – is 40-years-old.

Mr Ricketts, 62, narrowly beat the previous record catch of 11lb 2oz by Steve Terry on the Kingfisher Lake in Hampshire in 1978.

The eel was weighed on three sets of scales to ensure the recording was spot on. 

The European eel, which Mr Ricketts released back into the water safe and well, has been confirmed as an official record by the British Record Fish Committee (BRFC).

The 62-year-old said he was still in ‘shock’ as the record was thought to be ‘unbeatable’.

What’s the biggest eel you have caught? Email: olivia.christie@mailonline.co.uk 

It is estimated that the monster eel – which was caught in a lake in Kent – is 40-years-old

Mr Ricketts, from Catford, south London, said: ‘Initially I didn’t think the eel was that big. It wasn’t putting up a big fight and felt more like a 6 pounder.

‘It had a small head so when that popped out the water, I still didn’t think it was that big.

‘But when I saw the rest of it surface, I shouted out in shock.

‘My net has 3ft arms, and with the fish’s head at the spreader block, a load of its body was still hanging out the back.

‘I weighed it then got another carp angler to do the same as I couldn’t believe it.

‘I think it still has not sunk in yet because nobody thought that record would be beaten.’

The National Anguilla Club for eel anglers, of which Mr Ricketts is a member, posted on social media: ‘OFFICIAL NEWS – A new British record.

‘Most of us have grown up with Steve Terry’s record eel thought to be unbeatable.

Mr Ricketts, 62, narrowly beat the previous record catch of 11lb 2oz by Steve Terry on the Kingfisher Lake in Hampshire in 1978

‘But with Steve Ricketts’ recent epic capture the unthinkable has become reality.

‘Steve’s scales were verified as 0.2 grams light and after all the evidence has been checked and verified by the BRFC they have just announced a new British record of 11lb 3oz will be issued.

‘A huge congratulations to NAC member Steve Ricketts on a truly remarkable and inspiring capture.’

News of the record sparked excitement among fellow anglers who hailed the ‘truly amazing creature’.

Lee Swords said: ‘That is probably the fish of my lifetime, a truly amazing creature.

Simon Joyce added: ‘A breathtaking capture huge congratulations to Steve from one who knows how tough big eel fishing is.’