Matt Micallef has set the angling world alight with the capture of a potential record chub from a one-acre lake, which is connected to the Thames not far from his home in Didcot, writes Andy Webber.

As I reported last week, the massive fish registered 9.4.0 on Matt's Avon scales after accepting a piece of bread- flake.

I met up with Matt last Saturday at Acorn Angling in Didcot, where he has worked for the last three years, and got the impression that his feat has not quite sunk in yet.

He has been fishing for about nine years and has been very successful, catching a perch to 4.2.0 from a local lake and a 11.12.0 barbel from the Kennet.

However, whether his massive chub will be acceped as a new record remains to be seen.

After his story appeared in the national angling press, several well-known anglers have said the length of the fish does not equate to its weight.

Matt's scales have been checked and were found to be two ounces out, so the true weight of the fish is 9.2.0. The national record is 8.10.0.

The capture was witnessed by three independent people, one being the estate manager where the lake is situated.

Now the claim is being considered by the British record fish committee, and we must wait to see if it is accepted.