PEMBROKESHIRE’S Gareth Protheroe has landed his biggest title to date after being crowned Wales’ first ever boat angling individual world champion.

The 59th World Senior Boat Angling Championships were held last month in Crosshaven, County Cork, Ireland but the results have only now been announced following a dispute over an ineligible angler.

The World Governing Body – FIPS/M – met to thoroughly review the matter and have now confirmed the final individual result.

Gareth, 41, of Cold Inn near Kilgetty, said: “Truthfully, it’s still sinking in. It’s fantastic and means more than you could ever imagine.

“It’s just incredible – absolutely mind-blowing – and I really can’t put it into words to be honest with you.”

The team of Gareth, Ray Eyers, Dewi Roberts, Phil Clarke, Stuart Jones and Mark East also secured a fantastic fifth place overall for Wales in the team event at this year’s worlds.

John O’Connor, chair of Angling Cymru Sea Anglers, said: “It’s great for Welsh Angling to have another World Champion and the first in Boat Sea Angling.

“Hopefully, the first of many under the Angling Cymru umbrella in the years to come.

“Well done Gareth Protheroe – Welsh Angling and Pembrokeshire are very proud of you. Llongyfarchiadau!”

Gareth, who also fishes for the Saundersfoot Sea Angling Club off the shore, was part of the Angling Cymru squad which enjoyed great success in 2022 winning gold medals in the home internationals out of Milford Haven.

He was also on board the Welsh boat ‘Seawitch’ which won the 34th Rosslare Small Boats festival for the first time in 2019.

The boat landed an astonishing 34 marine species which was a new record in the history of the competition, beating 105 anglers in the most prestigious sea angling boat competition in Europe.