The IGFA has recently received world record applications for several premier game fish including mako shark, northern pike, and shortbill spearfish. IGFA Representative and past Lifetime Achievement Award winner Scott Tindale recently submitted an application for a 68.55 kg (151 lb 2 oz) mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) that he was somehow able to land with just 1 kg (2 lb) line. Tindale hooked the mako while chunking off Little Barrier Island in his home country of New Zealand on March 5th. After feeding the fish a chunk of skipjack tuna, Tindale somehow managed to stay connected to fish for approximately 5 minutes, until it got close enough to the boat for the leader to be grabbed. If approved, the 68 to 1 catch will replace the existing men’s 1 kg (2 lb) line class record, which stands at 68.2 kg (150 lb 5 oz).
Angler Jaydin Ellenbecker caught the potential new women’s 1 kg (2lb) line class record northern pike (Esox lucius) on April 17th while fishing Lake Albert in South Dakota, USA. Ellenbecker skillfully played the 6 kg (13 lb 4 oz) fish for over an hour, before she could finally subdue the potential record pike. Once landed, the fish was quickly documented and released alive. The current IGFA world record in this category is vacant.
Aussie angler Emma Turner potentially set the women’s 24 kg (50 lb) line class world record for shortbill spearfish (Tetrapturus angustirostris) with this beautiful 32.5 kg (71 lb 10 oz) fish she caught on March 13th while fishing off Port Stephens, Australia. Turner’s fish put up a spirited 15 minute fight after it crushed the Pakula lure she was trolling behind the Makajiki – a 30 ft Rampage captained by Lyndon Turner. If approved, the catch will replace the current record of 29 kg (63 lb 14 oz), and will be one of the heaviest shortbill spearfish ever recorded by the IGFA.
