90 minute fight lands fish

Literally ‘first blood’ for the billfish season came from Mangawhai with local identity Simon Bennett landing a 134.5 kg stripey from Simon Carter’s boat Two Seas.

Carter was convalescing from a shoulder operation so the task of fishing was left to Bennett and Murray Dix.

The fish was hooked with live bait out ‘behind the chicks’ and landed after a solid 90 minute fight.

“It was actually minus it’s bill, but was one of the fattest fish I’ve seen so was certainly still able to feed ok,” said Carter.

“The water was warm and we had a couple of marlin even cruising under the boat,” said Bennett. “We mostly tag and release over 80 percent but being the first of the season we chose to hang onto this one.”

The spoils were smoked and widely distributed between friends and family.

Pictured from left, Simon Bennett, Murray Dix, Simon Carter.