Max's almighty cod

SOME anglers spend years patiently fishing, just hoping for that one special catch.

But on Monday a Lowestoft schoolboy and his trusty dog managed to land a fish that many an experienced angler only ever dream about, while enjoying a stroll along the beach.

Ten-year-old Max James and his Fox Red Labrador Severiano Ballesteros were certainly in the right place at the right time when they went to Pakefield beach with Max's dad Tony.

The trio were enjoying a brisk morning walk at around 7.30am on Monday when something caught Seve's eye in the surf. The dog ran into the sea barking and Max followed him in.

'He walked up and there was a cod. He shouted 'look I've got a fish, dad', and my husband walked in and picked it up. He was really excited,' said Lils James, Max's mum.

The large cod, which is thought to weigh around 10-12lbs, caused quite a stir among beach-goers, and those enjoying a morning walk along Pakefield cliffs were also impressed by what they saw.

'My husband lifted it above his head and all the old boys cheered,' said Mrs James.

Word soon spread to Paul Blyth, of Angling Mad, in Pakefield, who had a similar discovery in the past.

'It is possible as I did it myself a few years ago in Corton. I was walking with the dog and found a 7lb cod,' he said.

Mr Blyth explained that the fish usually come in to die, but that seeing the cod at this time was very rare as they are normally seen off the east coast during the winter and spring months.

The fish has now been filleted by Mrs James' brother David Cox, who used to be a chef, and is sitting ready to be barbecued.

Meanwhile, Max will also be looking forward to returning to Pakefield Middle School after summer to tell his friends all about 'the one that didn't get away'.

Mrs James, of Fleedyke Drive, Lowestoft, said: 'They go river fishing sometimes but they've never caught anything better than this!'