Huge 61lb catfish haul for angler near Market Drayton

John Birkin battled to land the 61lb 5oz catfish in a pool at Marchamley, near Market Drayton.

The giant fish was caught during his first attempt at catfish angling, using luncheon meat as bait.

Mr Birkin, who runs The Bait Box in Newcastle-under-Lyme, believes it may be a record for pools in Shropshire.

He said: “This was my first time catfishing.

“I had been on a fishing trip with the group called the Noddys for a full week.

“I was catfishing and on the third night I managed to land her.

“It was a bit strange at first I had never seen one up close before. She felt like a bit of a snake. I was stunned.

“I then checked her over to check she was fighting fit and returned her to the water.

“The next night I landed another huge catfish.

“It was amazing. The facility at Marchamley is brilliant and so are the people who run it.

“We had a great time and didn’t leave the bank for five days.

“More fisheries like this are needed in the country.

“It is such a beautiful place and to land such amazing catfish really topped it off.”