Black marlin sets NZ record

New Zealand's marlin record has been smashed by a Gisborne man after a 7 1/2-hour battle with a 473.2kg black marlin.

The monster fish, which beat the previous record of 430kg, propelled Alain Jorion into the "Grander" club for catches over 1000lbs (453.6kg).

He was competing in a four-day tuna tournament for the Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club. Three marlin, one of each type, were weighed in - a first in a club tournament.

Mr Jorion hooked his fish about 12 nautical miles off Tatapouri, north of Gisborne, using 37kg breaking strain line and "stand-up" tackle.

After a gruelling battle, during which an exhausted Mr Jorion vomited several times, the fish gave up the fight.

An 84.75kg striped marlin caught by Ben Roberts was about 40kg short of hooking him the tournament's top prize for a striped marlin over 120kg.

Simon Mills caught a 224.95kg blue marlin.

- NZPA