A marlin spiked a fisherman in the leg as it was being boated in Bay of Plenty today.

A 55-year-old fisherman was impaled through the lower leg by the marlin spike as he and two others attempted to bring in the fish about 11am, near Waihau Bay.

A marlin, similar to the one pictured, spiked a fisherman in the calf. Photo: Waihau Bay Sports Fishing Club Facebook.

"He's been impaled in the lower leg - it has gone right into the calf," says Tauranga-based Trustpower TECT Rescue helicopter pilot Todd Dunham.

The spike was pulled out by his fellow fishers sometime during the 1.5 hour voyage back to Waihau Bay.

"They got the word out pretty quickly and they had us dispatched before the boat was in, they had all the services there in support."

The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Waihau Bay at 11:30 am.

The patient was stabilised at the Waihau Bay Fire Station by St John Paramedics before being flown to Whakatane Hospital for further treatment.

The helicopter was called due to the injuries and remote location.

Todd says the marlin was still in the boat.

Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter in Waihau Bay.