Wally Carmichael won't be getting any prizes for the size of the marlin he hooked off the Far North's east coast.
But if there was a prize for oldest angler, or for matching your age in years to the weight of your catch, Mr Carmichael would be a shoe-in for the trophy.
The Dargaville man, now living at Waihi Beach, was fishing with his son off Doubtless Bay last week when he hooked a striped marlin, battling the fish for 35 minutes before hauling it aboard. When weighed in at Whangaroa Sport Fishing Club his catch turned out to be a respectable 91.6kg.
That might not seem such a big deal, until you realise Mr Carmichael is 91 years and 6 months old.
Skipper Rob Obren, of Opua, said Mr Carmichael was easily the oldest angler he'd taken out in his 20-odd years as a charter boat operator. It was also his best age-for-weight match.