STUDENT’S 302KG RECORD CATCH
Madison Ross has caught some decent-sized snapper and kingfish before, but now the Northland teenager is looking at a world record after landing a blue marlin weighing a whopping 302kg.
The first-time marlin angler managed the tricky task of catching the monster fish on just a 15kg line, which is more suited to catching snapper, after a three-hour battle.
The catch puts her in the running for a world record, pending official scrutiny of the line and plethora of paperwork submitted to the sport’s international body in the US.
Once official, Madison would become the world women’s record holder for blue marlin on a 15kg line as well as the junior world record holder.
The 16-year-old Kamo High student was competing in the Arthurs Emporium Tutukaka Junior Tournament with teammates Todd Yendell, Sam Henwood and Kurtis Bot.
The team was fishing off Wynne Going’s Tutukaka-based boat, GPS, off Cape Brett when the fish struck the lure about 11.30am on Sunday.
“It all happened so fast . . . it was a bit of a shock,” recalls Madison. “I just started winding it in and winding and winding.”
The fish jumped out of the water but Madison was head down and didn’t see how big it was. “Everyone was yelling and saying it was huge.”
She said friend Lucy Hale was her biggest supporter, offering encouragement.
Finally, after three hours, the marlin was close enough for the gaff team to bring the fish aboard.
The marlin was being smoked and the beak was being mounted.
Summer fishing tips, SuperSport