New world record applications have recently been submitted to the IGFA for a potential new All-Tackle spotted bass from California, USA, a massive southern yellowtail from New Zealand, an impressive permit from Florida, USA, and a beautiful barramundi from Australia.
Ferguson’s Permit -While fishing from Delray Beach, Florida, USA on the night of February 11th, angler Joseph Ferguson landed something completely unexpected – a potential world record permit (Trachinotus falcatus) that tipped the scales at an incredible 22.11 kg (48 lb 12 oz). Ferguson battled the hard-fighting permit for nearly 30 minutes after it ate the live crab he was using for bait. If approved, the catch will become the new Male Junior record, which currently stands at 20.86 kg (46 lb).
Pascoe’s Southern Yellowtail -Kiwi angler Donna Pascoe caught and released this 138 cm southern yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) on January 16th while fishing off King Bank, New Zealand. Pascoe, an experienced angler, needed only 15 minutes to best the stubborn yellowtail after it crushed the live jack mackerel she was fishing on heavy conventional tackle. Once landed, the fish was quickly measured, documented, tagged, and released alive to grow even bigger! If approved, the catch will earn Pascoe the new All-Tackle Length world record, which currently stands at 135 cm.
Dulleck’s Spotted Bass -Angler Nick Dulleck caught and released the potential new All-Tackle world record spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) on February 12th while fishing New Bullard’s Bar Reservoir in California, USA. Dulleck’s catch weighed in at an impressive 5.1 kg (11 lb 4 oz), and he needed only a few minutes to land the fish after it hit the jig he was using. Dulleck successfully released the potential record after it was properly weighed and documented, and if approved it will be the heaviest spotted bass ever recorded by the IGFA. The current IGFA record is 4.71 kg (10 lb 6 oz).
Rolleston’s Barramundi -Aussie angler Wendy Lee-Ann Rolleston potentially set the new women’s 10 kg (20 lb) line class world record barramundi (Lates calcarifer) on January 14th while fishing Lake Proserpine, Australia. Rolleston needed only 5 minutes to subdue the barra after it hit the Richos lure she was trolling. If approved, her 10.7 kg (23 lb 10 oz) barramundi will easily replace the existing record in the new women’s 10 kg (20 lb) line class world category, which currently sits at 5 kg (11 lb 1 oz).