HUGE CATFISH IS WILSON’S BEST YET FROM A LAKE

350lb Mekong heads up 11 personal bests for TV legend

ANGLING legend John Wilson has banked his biggest-ever fish from a stillwater as part of a lively session that saw him land 11 personal bests.

This huge Mekong catfish topped the scales at a massive 350lb and was banked by the fishing icon, who now lives in Thailand, just a few days after celebrating his 73rd birthday.

It measured over 8ft long and took John almost an hour to land during an historic three-day session at the award-winning Palm Tree Lagoon Fishery in Ratchaburi, Thailand – a water which also gave him 28 other stunning fish of a variety of species.

“This is my biggest-ever fish from a stillwater, and in my time I’ve been to many in dozens of countries,” said John.

“It was an amazing fight, but it was far from plain sailing. Just as we were getting ready for that all-important trophy shot the fish leapt from our grasp and made its bid for freedom.

“Benny, who runs the fishery, leapt after the fish that was easily twice her own weight, managed to get a ‘judo-style’ side lock around the root of its tail and got it back into the holding cage.

“I was totally mesmerised and shall forever be in her debt. She is not a woman to mess with.

“This is one of the most incredible day-ticket fisheries It’s all action at Palm Tree Lagoon.

that I’ve ever been to,” he added.

In addition to John’s massive Mekong, his session produced 11 personal bests across species including alligator garfish, Thai redtail catfish, big head carp over 50lb , wallago attu, rohu, and catfish sharks topping 25lb.

His biggest-ever stillwater fish was beaten with a Masterline Rovex John Wilson Monster Tamer rod and a reel loaded with 80lb braid.

If you’re interested in visiting Palm Tree Lagoon visit: www.palmtreelagoon.co.uk