Couldn't agree more Dave,
Jon, do you have proof of that?
If not, surely that's a bit harsh? (Not having a pop mate, just offering an alternate view/forum/smilies/smile_smiley.gif)
What if you'd caught it and a load of noddies disputed your catch? (Not saying that is the case here, but nothing has yet been established, so benefit of the doubt etc, and where did the licence bit come from?)
I believe there has been an allegation thathe was poaching in a marina but the captor and his mate were adamant that they moored outside of the prohibited area (it was in AT a couple of weeks back).
Either way nothing has been proved either way, and it's one heck of a fish that should inspire every Thames angler.
As to whether it did weigh the claimed weight...
He is apparently over 20 stone which, whilst itis very unhealthy, isa very good indication that this is a colossal fish very near the claimed proportions.
Andy Nellist would be the man to confirm this but I believe that IF he is found to have not been poachingand SUBJECT to witness testimonyANDweights and measureschecks, then we may a truly exciting river record.
I guess what I'm saying is...
Let'snot get the knives out just yet, I think many river anglers would love it if we legitimately snatched a record back from the stillwater mob./forum/smilies/big_smile_smiley.gif