World’s Largest Fish Ever Caught

Top Ten Fish Catches in the World

Big Game Fishing sure is an adrenaline-pumping sport. The thrill of getting hooked on a giant fish is beyond description. The fight for dominance and the exhibition of raw power is something that Big Game Anglers live for. Talking of Big Game fishing, have you ever wondered what are the biggest fish species that have been caught? Let me give you a glimpse of the world’s largest saltwater fish catches.

The largest fish ever caught were Sharks, this is because the species can grow to large sizes when compared to other species. So we have created this list excluding the Shark species keeping in mind that not many sport fishing anglers will be targeting sharks for their amusement.

All the world records mentioned here are authenticated by the IGFA (International Game Fish Association)

Biggest Black Marlin Ever Caught

The sport anglers’ favorite, Marlin stands first in this list of the world’s largest fish. The Black Marlin is truly a magnificent creature. It is named the fastest fish on the planet owing to the speed of 130 kph that it reaches in water. With a sword-like jaw and a strong will, the Marlin is the ultimate game fish that anglers target. These spectacular fish will dive deep once they feel the hook and when they surface, they plunge out of the water with great vigor that showcases its sheer power.

The huge Black Marlin that was caught off the Cabo Blanco waters in 1953 still reigns as the largest Marlin ever caught. It weighed over 700 kg, 707.61kg to be precise. The Angler was Alfred Glassel, Jr and he landed this Marlin through trolling using Mackerel as his bait.

Largest Bluefin Tuna Ever Caught

The Bluefin Tuna is not far behind, it is on number 2 in this list. Bluefin is a true fighter, they pull hard when hooked and fight till the end. They are powerhouses of stamina and don’t tire at all. If you hook up with a Bluefin you are sure to work up your back, legs, and hands. These massive fish are yet another favorite of game fishing anglers for the absolute vigor with which they fight back.

The Bluefin that landed it in the top second position was landed in 1979 by Ken Fraser from Aulds Cove. This Atlantic Bluefin weighed a ginormous 678.58 kg. The technique that Ken Fraser adopted to catch this record Bluefin was trolling with Mackerel as the bait.

Biggest Atlantic Blue Marlin Ever Caught

The Atlantic Blue Marlins are beautiful fish and are one of the largest fish found in the ocean. They are said to grow to lengths reaching up to 14 feet. These fish prefer to settle by the warm surface waters, though they sometimes take deep plunges into the sea to feed on squids. The great fight that a Marlin puts up when hooked is one of the top most reasons for it to be considered the holy grail by many sport fishermen.

One such fisherman was Paulo Amorim who caught the largest Atlantic Blue Marlin ever. This record-breaking Marlin weighed 636 kg on the scale. The record Marlin was caught using a Moldcraft Lure by trolling from the waters in Vitoria, Spain.

Largest Pacific Blue Marlin Ever Caught

The top 4 positions are stolen away by the Pacific Blue Marlin. Despite it is a Blue Marlin, the Atlantic, and Pacific Marlins are considered two different species. Like the Atlantic Marlin, the Pacific Blue Marlin also puts up a great fight and hence is considered as one of the most challenging fish to catch by big game fishing anglers. The force and agility of the Marlin make it a difficult fish to land.

The largest Pacific Blue Marlin that was landed was from the Kaaiwi Point in 1982 by Jay de Beaubein. The Marlin was reeled in using trolling with Kita bait and it scaled to 624.14 kg.

Biggest Swordfish Ever Caught

The Swordfish, also known as the broadbill swordfish or the broadbill is a very sought-after game fish. Landing and releasing a Swordfish is considered one of the highest achievements by big game fishermen. The Swordfish is a very fast swimmer and it puts up a  great fight when hooked. These fish are known to leap high into the water with great vigor in order to unhook themselves from the line. The swords can be quite dangerous but the dangerous defenses that a Swordfish exhibits are warmly welcomed by adventurous anglers.

The largest Swordfish that was caught and recorded weighed 536.15 kg. Louis Marron was the angler who reeled in this gargantuan Swordfish from Iquique, Northern Chile in 1953 using trolling with a Bonito as the bait.

Largest Yellowfin Tuna Ever Caught

The Yellowfin Tuna is the most common favorite fish of anglers who indulge in sport fishing. These beautifully colored fish are known for their stamina and hard-fighting nature. When you get a Yellowfin hooked on to your line you should know that you are in for a great fight. Found in the deep temperate ocean waters the Yellowfin lure anglers from around the world.

In 2012, Guy Yocom caught the largest Yellowfin Tuna that has ever been recorded. This huge fish was caught in the waters of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Using a Melton rod and bait fishing with chunks Guy Yocom was able to land this massive tuna that weighed 193.68kg.

Biggest Tarpon Ever Caught

Next on the list is the hard-fighting Tarpon. The Tarpon has been around for millions of years (fossils prove this fact) and hence is no ordinary fish. These efficient predators can thrive in both saltwater and freshwater. They can even survive in environments that are poor in oxygen supply owing to their unique air bladder. The size, majestic looks, mysteriousness and hard-fighting nature of the Tarpon make it a highly prized sport fish.

Max Domecq in 2003 caught the largest recorded Tarpon that stands at an enormous 129.98 kg. This huge monster was fished out from the waters of Rubane. Max used mullet as bait with still fishing to land this record-breaking Tarpon.

Largest Pacific Sailfish Ever Caught

The Pacific Sailfish is found in tropical and subtropical waters. These highly esteemed sport fish are known for their power and grit. These fish are known to reach very high speeds of 110 kph in the water and are rightly called the cheetahs of the oceans. Once hooked to one of these monsters, they will plunge deep into the ocean with the utmost speed. If you manage to bring them to the surface then they will leap from and dive into the water repeatedly making your arms ache with exertion. It can take hours before you land one of these magnificent creatures. Their sails and elongated upper jaws are their most distinguishing features.

It was Carl Stewart in 1947 who landed the largest Pacific Sailfish ever recorded. A colossal Sailfish of 100.24 kg was pulled out of the waters of Santa Cruz Island Ecuador.

Biggest Wahoo Ever Caught

The next on the list is the Wahoo. These slender, torpedo fish are known for their fast runs that can reach up to speeds of 80 kph. The Wahoo is pursued by Big Game Fishermen owing to their persistent fighting nature and their ability to run off to larger distances in short time. Once you get a Wahoo hooked you will come to immediately because as the fish feels the hook on it, it will make the run of its life reeling out 100s of yards of reel in the wink of an eye. These fish fight vigorously by shaking their heads powerfully in an attempt to unhook themselves.

The biggest Wahoo ever caught was from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and this world record is held by an avid fisherwoman Sara Hayward. In 2005 Sara reeled in a Wahoo weighing 83.46 kg using trolling and this record still stands undefeated.

Largest Dorado Ever Caught

The Dolphinfish or Mahi-Mahi as they are popularly known is the last but not the least on this list of the Top Ten Fish Catches in the World. These brilliantly colored fish are one of the most sought-after fish by game fishing anglers for their energetic fights and are highly prized for their meat. The Dorado is a fast swimmer and they are known to leap from the water repeatedly when hooked. Getting hooked to a huge Dorado can be exhilarating as these fish will put up a steady and powerful fight.

The world record catch of a Dorado was made by Manuel Salazar in 1976. He reeled in a gigantic Dorado of 39.46 kg from the Papagayo Gulf in Costa Rica. The method used in this record catch was trolling, with soft plastic squid.

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