A FISHERMAN has pipped his friend to an Island bass record – after 25 years of trying.

Dave Nuth landed the 16 lb 10 dram monster at a secret fishing spot to the west of Corbière yesterday afternoon – edging out Micky Sangan’s 15 pounder, caught in the same session, which would have been enough to take the title.

Nuth said: ‘Having seen it I thought it might be a bit bigger than that actually, but I’m pretty pleased – it’s only taken me 25 years to catch! I was coming back from a trip yesterday lunch-time and caught it on a live sand eel in about 80 foot waters, with a 12 lb Ugly Stik.

‘My mate Micky caught one at the same time, which was slightly smaller, but that would have got him the record if I hadn’t caught mine – so he’s gutted. The good thing, though, is that we’ve both got personal bests.’

Nuth, who runs Tarka Sea Trips Ltd, beat Richard Fleetwood’s record, set in 2003, which stood at 15 lb 10 oz.

• Picture: An extremely happy Dave Nuth pictured with his monster bass last night.