Local spearfisherman James Adams now holds the world record for the largest wahoo caught using a sling or pole spear.

His record-setting 70.2lb catch has been recognised officially by the International Underwater Spearfishing Association, after submitting it for approval last month.

“We were [free] diving Argus Tower when I saw four wahoo approaching,” Adams wrote in his entry. “Luckily, the largest one came close in a curious manner and I dived on it very slow. It began to turn away and, as it did, I shot it.

“The slip tip detached and the fish took off. I pressured the float line until I got the fish close enough to place a second shot in its head.

“I then swam the fish back to the boat where captain Nick Cabral gaffed it and pulled it into the boat.”