Marlin eligible for NZ record

Ross Jameson will be able to claim the record for catching New Zealand's biggest fish after landing a 483.4kg blue marlin, the New Zealand Gamefishing Council has confirmed.

The Whangarei builder was not a member of a club affiliated to the council when he landed the billfish last Thursday north of North Cape.

Until recently, only club members could apply for ratification of trophy fish.

Mr Jameson last night joined the Houhora club and the 37kg line and leader used to bring the fish in had been forwarded to the council for testing.