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- A Shocking New IGFA World Record for 72-pound Snook
Record breaking catches are making waves across the fishing world this spring. From West Virginia and Michigan to the waters off Costa Rica, anglers are landing fish that shattered long-standing records and turned heads among conservation officials and sportfishing fans alike. Here’s a look at the latest standout catches making headlines this season:
Three State Fishing Records Broken in West Virginia. Three new state fishing records were set in West Virginia this spring, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The catches included a 71-pound blue catfish from the Ohio River in Jackson County, a 13.32-pound tiger trout from Summit Lake and a 6.46-pound redhorse sucker from Kanawha Falls. Officials said the catches show the quality of fishing opportunities across the state heading into summer. Anglers who think they caught a record fish should keep it preserved and contact a local WVDNR office for verification. Fishing licenses are required for anglers 15 and older, with trout anglers also needing a trout stamp. Read More
Michigan Angler Smashes 30-Year State Record with Massive Catch. An angler from Lowell, Michigan, caught a new state-record gizzard shad weighing 4.45 pounds and measuring 20.3 inches. Sedrick Neinhuis landed the fish April 22 on the Grand River in Kent County, breaking a 1996 record from Lake St. Clair. Michigan DNR biologist Matt Diana confirmed the catch. Neinhuis said he hopes to top 5 pounds next year. State records are recognized by weight only. Read More
A Shocking New IGFA World Record for 72-pound Snook. Captain Ruddy Zapata and anglers Will Hefley and Ronnie were trolling live sardines near Costa Rica’s Parrita River mouth on May 9 when Hefley hooked a giant Pacific black snook. After a 30-minute fight, the fish was landed aboard their panga and later weighed at Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. Certified scales recorded the snook at 72.6 pounds, topping the current IGFA world record of 59.5 pounds. All paperwork has been submitted to the IGFA, and the catch is expected to become the new world record. Read More
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