Reel thing

Mr Micallef, 19, of Newlands Avenue, caught a British record-breaking Chub, weighing 9lb 2oz, at a private lake near Wallingford in October. But his claim on the title caused waves throughout the angling world and eventually led to two resignations at the British Record Fish Committee - the body charged with verifying record claims.

The controversy was caused by the committee's decision to pass Mr Micallef's record without the backing of all 12 members.

Two senior anglers, who were not present at the meeting, had wanted to wait until the fish - which Mr Micallef had returned to the lake - was netted again before making the record official. The committee ignored their advice and both members promptly resigned.

The row cast a shadow over Mr Micallef's new record and it soon became a hot bankside topic.

But this week his boss at Acorn Angling in Didcot, Tony Gee bagged the very same fish - validating Mr Micallef's record catch.

Mr Gee said: "I had every intention of catching that fish. I had been trying to catch it since Matty caught it, to stop the doubting Thomases."

"The first thing I did was ring Matt and said 'I've got him'." Angling experts are sure it was the same fish because the small lake is unlikely to be harbouring two behemoths.

Mr Micallef said he was just glad the storm had passed.

"I felt a bit guilty before and then the paranoia set in. When Tony caught it I thought he was winding me up. I'm just happy it's all done and dusted, but it's a shame things went the way they did. None of it has been personal and I'm not head hunting for apologies."

But Matt must owe his boss a few extra shifts for helping set the record straight.

Not so according to the British record holder: "The publicity he has got out of it has evened things off. I'm grateful to him and for all the support I have had from people coming into the shop and congratulating me."

Marsh Pratley, who along with Phil Smith, resigned from the BRFC, said Mr Micallef's integrity had never been in question.

He said the claim could not be proved 'beyond reasonably doubt' but the committee had broken normal procedures and passed the record. Our recommendation was it should be deferred until it was caught again to put to bed any problems," he said.

Mr Pratley said he was glad the matter had been resolved.

He added: "There is no question now. He is the record holder. It's a great result for Matt and I'm really pleased for the lad."

panels CHUB GRUB Legendary cook Mrs Beeton - who else - had a fine recipe for stewed chub: 1 Chub 150ml (1/4 pint) Port Wine Salt Medium Stock 2 Onions 1 Small Bunch Savoury Herbs 12 Peppercorns 6 Cloves 1/2 juice of one lemon 1 Blade of Mace Cayenne and Salt, to taste source: www.thefoody.com FISHY FACTS The Chub is a member of the carp family and its Latin name is Leuciscus Cephalus.

Chub have a life span of 12 years.

Chub are found in most UK rivers and some lakes where it has been stocked.

They feed on may fly and caddis fly larvae, worms and silkweed.

Any chub weighing more than 5lbs is worth shouting about. I had every intention of catching that fish. I had been trying to catch it since Matty caught it, to stop the doubting Thomases'