Striped marlin caught off South Africa Cape coast

Arguably the most unusual catch of the decade was made when a striped marlin was caught 35 nautical miles (about 65km) from Hout Bay Harbour. "It is the only striped marlin caught in the past 10 years," said angler Derek Kaplan.

The long-billed fish usually lives in the warm blue waters of the tropics. The 3,5m catch weighed 83kg.

But Earl Fenwick, the longest serving member on the Cape Boat and Ski Boat Club, said the last recorded striped marlin was caught in 1973.

The acrobatic, sporty fish gives even the most hardened angler a tough time.

"The marlin reeled off so much line that I needed assistance," said Kaplan.

He had to go back to steering and follow the fish while Charles Watt took control of the rod. Kaplan said the marlin's head and tail would be mounted and housed at the Iziko South African Museum.