This 43kg southern bluefin tuna was caught off Portland by Armen Molla on Saturday.
THERE were a lot of sunburnt faces on fisherman stepping back ashore after a long weekend at sea between Peterborough and Portland.
Good weather helped the Shipwreck Coast Fishing Classic cast off, with another six days still to go for the marathon fishing competition.
Warrnambool Offshore Light Game and Fishing Club publicity officer Lucas Wilson described conditions as “sensational” for the event that has seen hundreds of boats launch from ramps between Peterborough and Port Fairy.
The competition is confined to waters between the two towns.
“It’s been fantastic, it’s been a really good start.
“There’s been plenty of snapper and mullet,” Mr Lucas said.
Meanwhile in Portland more than 140 boats hit the ocean, with one lucky angler netting a 43-kilogram tuna.
Portland fishing commentator Bob McPherson said the Melbourne fisherman, Armen Molla, netted the catch on Saturday afternoon.
“It’s the biggest one I’ve seen so far. A fish of that size would have to be eight years old,” he said.
s.mccomish@fairfaxmedia.com.au