Smallmouth on the Fly Among Pending IGFA World Records

Here are some of the recent submissions to the International Game Fish Association for record-book consideration. (info, photos courtesy of IGFA):

Heaviest Taimen Ever?

Angler Guido Rahr, III, caught this incredible 83-pound, 4-ounce taimen, potentially setting the new men’s 20-pound tippet class world record for the species. The fish was caught and released on September 19, 2018, on a fly-fishing trip to Russia’s Tugar River. If approved, the catch will be the heaviest taimen ever recorded by the IGFA on fly tackle and will replace the existing record of 71 pounds, 2 ounces.

Brazilian Speckled Peacock

Arthur Weston caught and released this massive speckled peacock on September 19, 2018, while fishing the Curicuriari River in northwest Brazil. Weston played the potential record peacock for approximately 10 minutes after it hit the topwater lure he was casting. Measuring out to 90 cm in length, Weston’s catch would tie the current all-tackle length world record if it is approved.

Hilton Head Crevalle Jack

Capt. Brian Vaughn potentially set the new men's 8-pound tippet class world record for crevalle jackwith this impressive 35-pound fish that he caught on September 20, 2018, while fly fishing off Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Vaughn skillfully played the fish for more than two hours after it crushed the fly he was casting. If approved, the catch will replace the existing record of 31 pounds that was caught back in 1983!

Smallmouth Bass on the Fly

IGFA representative Meredith J. McCord caught and released this 3-pound, 6-ounce smallmouth bass on July 3, 2018 while fly fishing Lake Ontario, Canada. McCord only needed a few minutes to land the bass after it hit the popper fly she was casting. If approved, the catch will become the new women's 6-pound tippet class world record, which currently stands at 3 pounds, 1 ounce.

See more of IGFA's Hot Catches galleries