I recall reading this many, many years ago and it is indeed fantastic. I can still remember the picture of a monster pike's head next to another sizeable fish plus another picture of an incredibly long but emaciated fish (35lb?) which must have been massive in its prime. The fact that these are memories from 25+ years ago is testament to the effect this book has.Shame about the price being driven up by collectors when many would just like to this book for its great read. Maybe if there was the demand a reprint could be arranged...
PS: If you manage to find a copy of 'Rough River and Small Stream Fishing' by David Carl-Forbes then buy it. Its another great read - and considerably more affordable - although no 'horror' factor with this one.
I heard this story on Radio Five Live. The fish was estimated at 100lbs which seemed a bit far-fetched but it was one of those fancy that items and they didn't speak to the captor or get anyone else to comment on it - assume it was lifted out of one of the papers.