RECORD FISH
Two new record fish make British angling history
The BRFC met remotely via online meeting facility on 26th November 2021. Present were: Mike Heylin OBE (Chairman), Oliver Crimmen (Scientific Advisor, Natural History Museum), Andrew Nellist (Freshwater Specialist), David Craig (Ireland representative), Dr Phill Williams (Marine Specialist), Capt. Stephen Mardlin MBE RN (Freshwater Specialist), Mat Mander (Marine Specialist), Tim Froome (Marine Specialist, Guernsey) and Nick Simmonds (Secretary).
The committee considered and accepted the following record claims as being duly ratified:
Two-banded sea-bream (Diplodus vulgaris), (boat-caught) of 1lb 8oz, caught on 24th September 2021 by Mike Toogood (pictured), angling from the charter boat ‘Emma Kate’ skippered by Lee Wicks out of Padstow, Cornwall.
Two-banded sea-bream (Diplodus vulgaris), (shore-caught) of 83 grams, caught on 9th October 2021 by Shane Huxster from the Channel Island of Sark.
These two fish share a place in British angling history, being the first specimens of the species recorded captured in British waters.
—————————————————————–
The BRFC will be conducting a review of its sea-fish listings, particularly with regard to species which may be boat-caught but not landed for weighing due to their protected status, and the criteria employed for record claims in such circumstances. The committee will correspond with relevant specialist angling groups as this project develops.
—————————————————————–
The Committee is undertaking a project to scan the historical paper archive of record fish claims to store them digitally and is seeking a volunteer to assist with this. The archive and scanning equipment is sited at the Angling Trust office in Leominster, Herefordshire. Anyone local to Leominster interested in assisting with this task may contact the BRFC Secretary, Nick Simmonds at [email protected]
—————————————————————–
The Committee would like to remind readers that in the event of the capture of a potential record fish, the captor should first contact the British Record (rod-caught) Fish Committee without delay.
Captors of potential record fish should contact the Secretary, Nick Simmonds, at the Angling Trust, on 01568 620447 or by email at [email protected] . Nick will record the details of the capture and advise the claimant on progressing the claim.
More information about what to do if you catch a record fish can be found in the BRFC web pages here.
You might also like
WQMN Group of the Month: Citizen Science, Anglers and…
Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister: here’s what he should…
Anglers to play key role in landmark shark conservation…
New Report Reveals the Hidden Workforce Behind the UK’s…
Marine heatwave: what it means for sea anglers
Bluefin Tuna Catch-and-Release Recreational Fishery 2026
Rays of Tope: New project to unlock the secrets…
New ICES advice highlights mixed picture for key recreational…
Angling Trust welcomes UK ratification of landmark High Seas…
UK Government Pours Cold Water on Urgent Reforms to…
Anglers’ Data Stands Up to Scientific Scrutiny
