Check out the most recent world record catches, including a Papuan black snapper from Papua New Guinea, a narrowbarred mackerel from Australia, a Pacific snook from Panama, and a pink salmon from Alaska, USA.
Gaines’ Pink Salmon – While fly fishing Alaska’s famous Kenai River on August 16th, California angler Bob Gaines caught and release this beautiful 4.65 kg (10 lb 4 oz) pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) that could earn him the new men’s 3 kg (6 lb) tippet class world record. Gaines skillfully played the fish on light tippet for approximately 10 minutes, after the fish ate the shrimp pattern fly he was casting. Once subdued, the fish was quickly documented and released alive. The current IGFA record is 3.97 kg (8 lb 12 oz).
Reay’s Papuan Black Snapper – Aussie angler Adam Reay caught and released this massive Papuan black snapper (Lutjanus goldiei) while fishing the Fly River in Papua New Guinea on August 10th. The 88 cm fish hit a diving lure that Reay was casting along the shoreline, and put up a quick, but tough 3 minute fight on heavy spinning tackle. Once landed the fish was quickly documented and released alive. If approved, Reay’s catch will tie the All-Tackle Length record, which currently stands at 87 cm.
Reeve’s Pacific Snook – Angler Adrienne M. Reeve recently submitted an application for this trophy 13.6 kg (30 lb) Pacific snook (Centropomus spp.) that she caught on June 9th, while fishing the mouth of a river in Jaque, a small village along the Pacific coast of Panama. Reeve battled the fish for approximately 10 minutes after it crushed the Rapala lure she was casting from the shoreline. If approved, the catch will earn Reeve the new women’s 24 kg (50 lb) line class world record, which currently stands at 5.67 kg (12 lb 8 oz).
Meads’ Narrowbarred Mackerel – Aussie angler Ryan Meads – age 9 – caught the potential new Male Smallfry world record for narrowbarred mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) on July 23rd, while fishing out of Mackay, Australia with his father. After the fish ate his live bait, Meads needed 20 minutes to subdue the hard-fighting mackerel with his 8 kg (16 lb) spinning outfit. If approved, the impressive 16.55 kg (36 lb 7 oz) will replace the existing world record of 15.64 kg (34 lb 7 oz), which has stood since 2005.
