An Orpington pensioner is happy as a clam after catching a “monster” catfish during a holiday in Spain.

Keen angler Fern Parker netted the 182lb whopper while on holiday in Escatrón.

The 69-year-old thought she cod-n’t possibly beat her previous record after catching a 175lb fish in 2014.

But this year’s annual trip to the River Ebro went swimmingly as the duo managed to reel in the beast with a single halibut pellet.

And boyfriend Mick Beam, 68, proved he’s quite a catch too, as he helped her heave the mammoth water-dweller out of the river in 90-degree heat.

News Shopper:

Fern thought she cod-n't batter her personal best after netting a 175lb whopper in 2014

She told News Shopper: “Suddenly my rod bent and the line took off.

“I held on tight, and I just knew this was going to be a catfish.

“After an hour it came in. We put our hands into its mouth and pulled it out onto the grass verge.

“He was quite cheeky – when we went to put him back in the water, his tail slapped the water and he drenched us.

“It was wonderful to see him swim away.”

News Shopper:

Fern and boyfriend Mick put their hands into the beast's mouth to lug it out of the water

The Guinness World Record for the heaviest freshwater fish caught on fly is a 415lb arapaima caught in the Rewa River in Guyana in 2015.

As for whether Ms Parker thinks there any more fish in the sea for her to beat the latest massive catch, she told News Shopper she won't stop trying.

She said: “I have been fishing for many years now and have been in competitions – but I never thought I would top my record from two years ago.

“It’s not bad for an old girl – I feel quite chuffed about it.”

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