The current holder of the British record pike, Roy Lewis, has reached out to Angling Times this week to offer his congratulations to the likely new record holder Lloyd Watson.
In an email from his home in New Zealand, Roy, who's 46lb 13oz fish caught in 1992 is officially the current best at present, said: "May I take this opportunity to congratulate Lloyd Watson on the capture of his magnificent record 47lb 5oz fish from Chew Valley.
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"I am so pleased the new British record pike has gone to a lifelong pike angler, which he justly deserves."
Not being on social media or in the UK, Roy was unaware his long-standing record had been potentially broken, until a fishing friend contacted him to pass on the news.
"I know the feeling of utter disbelief he must be going through as I did 31 years ago when I caught my UK record pike from Llandegfedd," Roy said.
"I hope his record lasts a long time."
Lloyd's claim is currently with the British Record Fish Committee but with multiple witnesses and weights taken on various sets of scales, it is expected the claim will be accepted and a new British best set.
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