Fisherman catches record-breaking halibut

A novice Icelandic fisherman has caught a huge halibut, weighing in at 220kg.

The record-breaking fish - which is believed to be worth more than $35,000 - was caught by 70-year-old Gunther Hansel, who had never been angling in his life prior to netting the humongous halibut.

It took more than two hours for five men to reel in the 920-portion beast onto the fishing boat, which was sailing around Bolungarvik, in Iceland's Western Fjords.

Herbert Loechel, managing director of the fishing tour operator, said: "After the bite, we had to worry that Gunther would land the fish. It took him 135 minutes. But the boat's crew helped hoist the giant fish, with more anglers on board to help, on to the boat.

"Back at port, the giant fish was celebrated vigorously."