A Gisborne angler went to sea looking to hook a swordfish yesterday.

He returned with what could be a world record tuna.

Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club member Graeme McKay, Charger boat skipper John Ballard and crewman Matt “Snowy” Peters struggled to lift the 156.85kg southern bluefin tuna on to the scales at the inner harbour.

The men were fishing “out the back” of Tolaga Bay when Mr McKay hooked the monster on a 60kg line and with skippy (skipjack tuna) as bait.

It took 10 minutes to reel in the fish.

“It’s fair to say it put up a little bit of an effort,” he said.

“I’ve caught a couple before — a 60kg and a 75kg — but this is over double.

“It’s a pretty good fish and was a bit of a surprise.”

Official status of Mr McKay’s catch is still pending confirmation.

The world record fish for the same class reel stands at 155.10kg and was caught by Phil Roycroft at Waihau Bay last year.

Mr McKay’s equipment must be sent to the International Game Fishing Association to check before a record is confirmed.

The fish was to be “chopped up” and distributed to “anyone who wants it”.

Following the weigh-in, Mr Ballard was also finally able to collect the White Pointer Trophy for Top Game Boat for the Gisborne Tatapouri club’s 2018/2019 season after he missed the annual awards last week.

He is well on the way to taking out the 2019-2020 trophy.

NOW THAT’S A LOT OF SUSHI: Angler Graeme McKay (right) with Charger skipper John Ballard (left) and crew hand Matt “Snowy” Peters at the weigh-in of a 156.85kg southern bluefin tuna Mr McKay caught yesterday. Picture by Paul Rickard