Here are some of the biggest catches of all time, showcasing remarkable fishing achievements from around the world:
1. **Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus):**
– In 1979, Ken Fraser caught a massive 1,496-pound bluefin tuna off Nova Scotia, Canada, setting a record that still stands today for the largest fish ever caught by rod and reel.
2. **Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias):**
– In 1959, Alfred Dean caught a 2,664-pound great white shark off the coast of South Australia, which holds the record for the largest fish ever caught (using a rod and reel) by weight.
3. **Atlantic Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans):**
– In 1992, Paulo Amorim caught a 1,402-pound Atlantic blue marlin off the coast of Vitoria, Brazil, setting a world record for the largest blue marlin ever caught on rod and reel.
4. **Pacific Blue Marlin (Makaira mazara):**
– In 1982, Jay de Beaubien caught a 1,376-pound Pacific blue marlin off Kona, Hawaii, which remains one of the largest ever caught in Hawaiian waters.
5. **Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares):**
– In 2012, Guy Yocom caught a 427-pound yellowfin tuna off Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, setting a record for the largest yellowfin tuna ever caught on rod and reel.
6. **Wels Catfish (Silurus glanis):**
– In 2015, Jakub Vágner caught a 286-pound wels catfish in the River Po, Italy, which was one of the largest catfish ever caught by a sport fisherman.
7. **Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus):**
– In 2013, Adrian Brodner caught a 1,496-pound Atlantic bluefin tuna off Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada, matching Ken Fraser’s record weight for bluefin tuna.
8. **Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara):**
– In 1961, Lynn Joyner caught a 680-pound goliath grouper off Fernandina Beach, Florida, setting a record for the largest goliath grouper caught on rod and reel.
9. **Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula):**
– In 2011, Isaac Avery caught a 327-pound alligator gar in the Rio Grande River, Texas, setting a record for the largest alligator gar ever caught by rod and reel.
10. **Mekong Giant Catfish (Pangasianodon gigas):**
– In 2005, Thai fishermen caught a 646-pound Mekong giant catfish in the Mekong River, setting a record for the largest freshwater fish ever caught by rod and reel.
These catches represent extraordinary feats of angling prowess and highlight the diversity of large fish species found in oceans, rivers, and lakes around the world.
