Rare record catches + Fishing Hall of Fame Inductees announced
by IGFA 10 Mar 2018 11:29 PST
Zainal's Giant Snakehead © IGFA
The IGFA has recently received new world record applications for an All-Tackle gorgeous swallowtail from Kenya, a giant snakehead from Malaysia, a gag grouper from Florida, USA, and an African red snapper from Angola.
Zainal's Giant Snakehead
Malaysian angler Faizal Zainal potentially broke the All-Tackle World Record for giant snakehead (Channa micropeltes) with this massive 13.6-kilogram (30-pound) fish that he caught-and-released on February 28, 2018 while fishing outside of Rawang, Malaysia. Zainial needed only a few minutes to subdue the snakehead after it crushed the lure he was casting. If approved, the catch will replace the existing All-Tackle World Record of 11.79-kilogram (26-pound).
Sakko's African Red Snapper
South African angler Vincent Sakko - age 13 - potentially set the new Male Junior World Record for African red snapper (Lutjanus agennes) with this impressive 11.7-kilogram (25-pound 12-ounce) fish that he caught on December 30, 2017 while fishing Barra do Cuanz, Angola. Sakko needed approximately 10 minutes to subdue the hard-fighting snapper after it ate the live mullet he was using for bait. If approved, the catch will replace the existing record of 9.2 kg (20 lb 4 oz).
Wozniak's Gorgeous Swallowtail
IGFA Representative Steve Wozniak caught this gorgeous swallowtail (Meganthias natalensis) while deep dropping off Watamu, Kenya on January 25, 2018. Weighing in at 3.4-kilograms (seven pounds, eight ounce), the rare catch could earn Wozniak the new All-Tackle World Record if approved. The current IGFA World Record for this species is vacant as this is the first-ever submission received for this species.
Schall's Gag Grouper
Angler Jennifer Schall potentially set the new Women's 1-kilogram (2-pound) Line Class World Record for gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis) with this 3.06-kilogram (6-pound 12-ounce) fish that she caught-and-released on December 7, 2017 while fishing Tampa Bay, Florida, USA. Schall played the fish for approximately 15 minutes after it hit the jig she was fishing. This world record category is currently vacant.