Video: So. Cal. Fisherman Lands Rare Giant Fish

A southern California fisherman made a once-in-a-lifetime catch last week reeling in a very rare, and giant fish.

Shawn Steward of Oxnard, California was fishing not far off the coast of his hometown near the Channel Islands when he hooked into the big colorful fish not known for being caught in California waters.

Steward had caught a 90-pound Opah – or moonfish – which are more commonly caught near Hawaii.

Not to be confused with that delicious fried cheese appetizer you get at Greek restaurants, Opah are one of the most colorful commercial fish species available in Hawaii, and it’s very rare to see them so far north. A silvery-grey upper body color shades to a rose red dotted with white spots toward the belly. Its fins are crimson, and its large eyes are encircled with gold.

Steward, who is also the owner of Aloha Spirit Sportfishing, also posted a video of the crew gutting the huge fish on the boat:

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