By Whakatane Beacon
Whakatāne seven-year-old Cohen Snell has been confirmed as a world-record holder for the shortbill spearfish he caught off Waihau Bay in January.
The 20.4kg fish caught on a 24kg line has been verified by the International Game Fish Association as a world record for age and line class.
Although Cohen's parents are yet to receive the formal certificate, they became aware of the record's verification after looking it up on the International Game Fish Association website a few weeks ago and understood the certificate was on its way.
Cohen's mother, Kelly Snell, said it was a big process to get the world record verified, but she was pleased to see the catch recognised.