Ian Welch with the giant stingray. Photograph: BNPS.co.uk

It has been reported throughout the angling grapevine that what is believed to be the largest freshwater fish landed has been caught by British angler, Ian Welch while he was visiting Thailand helping in the tagging programme for these huge fish. Tagging the fish helps marine biologist track their movements and hence helps in the study of such wonderful creatures.

The giant freshwater stingray, weighing as much as 350kg (772lbs, or about 55 stone), was said to be the size of a garden shed and so cumbersome that Ian Welch had to enlist the aid of 12 other people to get it out of the water where it could be tagged safely and measurements taken before being released.

You can read the full story at the telegraph.co.uk website – British biologist catches 55 stone, record-breaking stingray

Not exactly sea fishing but damn – that’s a big fish!