A possible record kingfish caught days before a return trip to England has made Tracey Lydiard's holiday.

The 22-year-old Aucklander caught a 40kg kingfish measuring 145cm long in Tauranga Harbour on 24kg line.

Tracey Lydiard with the possible record kingfish on Tauranga Harbour.

She had the fish on the line for 10 minutes before boating it.

The fish was weighed at the Tauranga Sport Fishing Club where it tops the other record ladies' kingfish on the board by 6kg.

When asked where it was hooked Tracey is remaining tight lipped and will only reveal it was in the harbour.

'We come down from Auckland all the time to catch kingfish. We are camping at the Mount at the moment.”

She had four days in which to catch a fish bigger than her previous best of 16kg – and she wanted to beat her sister's 17.7kg best.

'I think I did that for sure. It's quite likely to be a ladies' record for the Tauranga Sport Fishing Club. It was my last chance to go fishing for a kingfish before I leave.”

Tracey is about to return to the United Kingdom where she plays hockey for Teddington, and works as a physiotherapist.

The fish was caught while out on the boat with her parents. It is currently being professionally smoked and will be ready to eat before Tracy leaves.

As she isn't permitted to take any fish back to the UK she intends to share it with friends and family.