What did he wieght mate? Looks around the 30's mark!

Keep it tight, reeeeeeel tight!

Great fish Bill. Your'e mate must have been hurting after pulling one in that size.

As a side issue, I know how awkward it can be controlling such big fish, and this could be an old photo taken well before the awareness of correct handling was as prevalent as it is these days, but it may pay to have a look at some of the fish handling techniques posted under separate threads, as placing the hands in its gills is one sure fire way to limit it's chances of survival. For any new anglers wishing to tangle with these beasts off our coast lets not forget that a fishes gills are the equivalent of our lungs, so its imperative we stay away from that area when handling fish that are to be released. Same goes for other species.

Sorry for hyjacking your post Bill, but educating the average Joe Blow out there is important for the future of our fish stocks. Hope you all agree.

Well said there andy, i was thinking of it myself but it might pay to describe the right way in the post. Because you started it ill let you continue. Cheers Andy handling makes all the difference for survival and education of this is the key!

Keep it tight, reeeeeeel tight!

Point taken thanks for highlighting that see i have learnt something allready on this site
Cheers Bill

Nothing beats a day on the water catching a fish is just a bonus