Jurien Bay Angler Lands Potential National Record Marlin
A 12-year-old angler from Jurien Bay, Western Australia, recently caught a 272.2-kilogram blue marlin. The catch, made by Rhys Martin, is currently undergoing verification by the Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA) as a potential national junior record.
If confirmed, this would surpass the existing junior record by 10 kilograms.
The Record-Breaking Catch
Rhys Martin, with his father Brett Martin serving as the boat's skipper, landed the 272.2-kilogram blue marlin in Jurien Bay, a location approximately 220 kilometers north of Perth. The process of reeling in the fish took approximately one and a half hours.
Rhys Martin described the experience as a significant accomplishment.
Verification Underway
The GFAA is currently reviewing the details of the catch to confirm its status as a new national junior record. This 272.2-kilogram blue marlin is one of several catches by Rhys Martin awaiting official verification. Another blue marlin weighing 195.8 kilograms, also caught by Rhys, is simultaneously undergoing verification by the GFAA.
A Young Angler's Achievements
Rhys Martin has a documented history of fishing achievements. He currently holds four Australian records in the under-11 category. Additionally, two other junior records are pending verification, separate from the two marlin catches. His first record was established at the age of eight with a 14-kilogram amberjack, a catch that required two and a half hours of effort.
Rhys attributes his interest in fishing to the challenges it presents and the opportunity to spend time at sea.
Community Support and Sustainable Practices
The Martin family supports Rhys's involvement in fishing. Brett Martin stated that the Jurien Bay community also supports Rhys's fishing achievements. The caught fish, including the 272.2-kilogram marlin, are utilized. Portions of the fish were prepared into fresh and smoked cuts and distributed among friends and family, in adherence to a practice of minimizing waste.
Brett Martin also noted that catch-and-release is practiced when feasible, but retaining fish is considered acceptable for record attempts or when catching pelagic species.