The IGFA has recently received world record applications for several game fish species including an enormous striped marlin from New Zealand, a flathead catfish and black crappie from Alabama, USA, and a white seabass from California, USA. Capt. Mike Mitchell caught and released this massive 26.2 kg (57 lb 14 oz) flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) that could become the new men’s 24 kg (50 lb) line class world record. Mitchell caught the fish with a piece of cut herring while fishing the Tennessee River in northern Alabama, USA on April 17th. If approved, the catch will replace the existing record of 12.93 kg (28 lb 8 oz).
On February 26th, angler Richard James Harrison of Canoga Park, California, USA potentially broke a record that has stood for nearly 50 years! Harrison landed an impressive 34.5 kg (76 lb 1 oz) white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) while fishing with a live mackerel off San Diego, California – a catch that could earn him the new men’s 37 kg (80 lb) line class record. If approved, the catch will replace the existing world record of 33.56 kg (74 lb), which was set back in 1968.
Angler Chase Harless caught and released this quality 37 cm black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) on May 23rd while fishing a local pond in Mobile, Alabama, USA. Harless skillfully played the fish for several minutes on ultra light spinning tackle before it was landed, properly documented, and released alive. If approved, the catch will replace the existing record of 35 cm.
On March 27th Kiwi angler Mikhall A. Cowan landed the second heaviest striped marlin (Kajikia audax) ever recorded by the IGFA – a 211.6 kg (466 lb 7 oz) monster that could become the new men’s 37 kg (80 lb) line class world record. Cowan was trolling a skipjack tuna along New Zealand’s Pandora Bank when the massive stripey struck. After a dogged fight lasting more than two hours, Cowan was finally able to subdue the fish and bring it aboard the Sabra, which was captained by Glen Cowan. If approved, the catch will replace the existing record of 206.5 kg (455 lb 4 oz) which has stood for more than 30 years.
