New IGFA world record applications have recently been submitted for an enormous Atlantic halibut from Norway, a massive Pacific black snook from Panama, a broomtail grouper from Ecuador, and an exotic species of grouper from the Seychelles.
Dufau’s Pacific Snook
Manuel Zambrano Dufau caught this massive 58 lb 9 oz Pacific black snook on February 27th while fishing Rio Bayano, Panama. The fish was caught on a Spooltek Lures 9″ Stretch in Great Sardini pattern. If approved, the catch will be the second heaviest snook ever recorded by the IGFA, and will earn Dufau the new men’s 15 kg (30 lb) line class world record, which currently stands at 57 lb 12 oz.
Manes’ Brownspotted Grouper
Manes’ Brownspotted Grouper Seychellois angler Aaron-Lyle Manes potentially set the new All-Tackle world record for brown spotted grouper (Epinephelus chlorostigma) with this beautiful 6.1 kg (13 lb 8 oz) fish that he caught on April 25th while fishing off Bar Espaniole, Seychelles with IGFA Captain Randy Bradley. After hitting the chunk of squid he was fishing on the bottom, Manes needed only 10 minutes to subdue the potential record grouper. If approved, the catch will replace the existing record of 5.2 kg (11 lb 7 oz).
Searles’ Atlantic Halibut
British angler Colin Searles caught this enormous 155 kg (341 lb 11 oz) Atlantic halibut on April 26th while fishing out of Laukvik, Norway. Searles battled the massive halibut for nearly an hour after the fish hit the Pirk jig he was working from aboard the No Problem II, captained by Nigel Hearn. If approved, the catch will become the new men’s 24 kg (50 lb) line class world record, and will be the third heaviest Atlantic halibut ever recorded by the IGFA.
Mata’s Broomtail Grouper
Ecuadorian angler Fernando X. Mata caught this 26.31 kg (58 lb) broomtail grouper (Mycteroperca xenarcha) on April 29th while fishing off Salinas, Ecuador. Mata – age 10 – needed only 10 minutes to subdue the potential record fish, after it hit the Mirrolure he was trolling. If approved, the catch will become the new men’s 15 kg (30 lb) line class record, which currently stands at 24.49 kg (54 lb).
