NZ Fishing News - November 1996
'Howard's Monster'
"Taking into account that Howard Marriott is a big man, this photo does little justice to his huge snapper. Not only did it weigh 21.32kg (47lb), but it was caught on a surf rod off the beach, on only 12kg line.
Howard was on his way to Napier from Gisborne to see his father, now in a home. On the way there Howard took his surf rod and cast a line out for a short try.
Coming into Napier's northern beaches is a little spot called Whirinaki, where the timber mill gives off it's tell-tale plumes of white smoke. It is one of Howard's favourite spots.
A little before 9am, Howard cast his line out, baited with a paddle crab. He has taken the legs off and double hooked it. It was quite calm, and conditions were good.
Only minutes later, in view of the main highway north, Howard's rod buckled over with a mighty run. For three-quarters of an hour he coaxed the big red in, but owing to the lip on the water's edge Howard struggled to actually beach the fish. He was thrilled to see its size.
On past otolith bone samples, this fish was probably around 70 years old. Although it would have blown away any lightweight world records, Howards just took a few photos, gutted it and ate it.
Image caption: Howard Marriott with the 21.32kg snapper caught on a surf rod on 12kg line off Whirinaki Beach, Hawke's Bay. The fish was 1.2m around, and the fillets from it - yes, it was chopped up and eaten - were 17cm thick."
By Alain Jorion
Does anyone else have any unofficial world record breaking stories?