Anglers Who Caught 1,323-pound Mako Shark Have Yet to Apply for World Record
OutdoorHub Reporters 08.09.13
The three anglers who caught a 1,323-pound Mako shark near California’s Huntington Beach are remaining quiet after their gigantic catch, at least when it comes to applying for a record. According to the Los Angeles Times, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has yet to receive any applications from the anglers. Generally, submissions are sent as soon as possible after a possible record catch for the best chances of being confirmed.
“We still haven’t heard from them,” said Jack Vitek, records coordinator for IGFA.
Fishing records are held in high regards by anglers not only as source of bragging rights, but also a challenge to strive for. Some records only last a few months and weeks –some do not even last longer than the time it takes to process an application- but others can leave a lasting legacy. Possibly the most coveted freshwater fishing record in North America, the one for the largemouth bass, has been held by Georgia angler George Perry for 81 years and counting. If the anglers do decide to file an application, it would take IGFA 60 days to process it, during which the mako would be listed as a pending world record.
The mako shark is now currently being held in a freezer where it is awaiting taxidermy. It was caught during a three-day trip being filmed for the show The Professionals on the Outdoor Channel. Professional angler Jason Johnston brought the fish on board with the help of the charter boat’s captain, Matt Potter and an unnamed friend. Potter told the Los Angeles Times that it would be up to Johnston to file the application.
“I don’t know why he hasn’t done it,” Potter said.
Of all the fish records held on file by IGFA, only 23 top 1,300 pounds. The current mako record, more than 100 pounds lighter, was caught in 2001 by Luke Sweeney.
You can read about the original catch here.
