This week, Mr Humphries reeled in a 31-kilogram mulloway, the second biggest fish of its type caught in the Nelson River.

While the catch was 18kgs better than the previously held second biggest fish, caught by Glenn Fry, it was still short of the record of 34 kgs.

Mr Humphries said he was keen to keep pressing for the biggest catch of all.

“I’ll continue with my efforts to try to break that elusive record and reel in a 35kg haul and claim the top spot,” he said.

The mulloway was caught on live mullet while trawling.

As well as a hefty weight, the prized mulloway was also a long fish at 155cms. 

“I am just over the moon, never in my wildest dreams did I expect to catch something that big in the Glenelg River,” he said.

“During the colder winter months there seems to be bigger fish biting, but this well and truly surpassed my expectations.

“I’ve been fishing since I was a kid, but this catch is definitely one of my most memorable.”

Glenelg Shire Mayor Cr Anita Rank said the catch was further enhancing the shire’s profile as a fishing hotspot.

She said accommodation outlets were attracting bookings from across the country, with anglers keen to join the action.

“We are hearing reports from local caravan parks and accommodation houses that their phones are ringing off the hook, everyone wants to come and try and beat Neil’s big catch,” she said.

“We are so lucky to be home to world class recreational fishing, attracting thousands of anglers from across Australia, which provides significant benefits to our tourism economy.

“With Nelson currently welcoming fishermen from far and wide to reel in a record breaking mulloway, Portland continues to uphold its title as the Southern Bluefin tuna capital following a 120kg tuna caught of Lawrence Rocks earlier this week.

“There are not many places which can promote the opportunities of land, sea and river based fishing, we are an anglers paradise and love hearing all the great stories from the water like Neil’s great effort.”