Young Anglers Making Waves
IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior World Records Inspire Ethical Fishing
The All-Tackle Length Junior Category of World Records is a welcome addition to our world record categories and has allowed young anglers to leave their mark in the annals of sportfishing history.
Launched on March 1, 2023, the IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior Category opened new doors for anglers aged 16 and under, giving them the chance to chase world records while practicing responsible catch-and-release fishing. This innovative category adheres to strict angling rules, responsible handling practices, and requires junior anglers to submit comprehensive documentation of their catch, including exact measurements, clear photographs, and evidence of the fish’s release.
IGFA Official Measuring Device
To register an All-Tackle Length Junior record, one essential requirement is an official IGFA Measuring Device. Just as a certified spring or digital scale is used for weight records, this measuring device is used for length records. In the diagram below, you can see the correct method for measuring and recording your catch before safely releasing it.
This record category provides youth anglers with an unparalleled opportunity to achieve a world record while supporting conservation efforts. These records don’t require weighing fish on certified scales; instead, anglers can measure their catch on a flat surface using an official IGFA Measuring Device, which makes the process simpler and requires fish to be released quickly and safely. First introduced by IGFA in 2011, length records have become an exciting alternative to weight records, and now with this youth-focused category, children have an accessible pathway to world-record status (and memories to last a lifetime).
For some species, the current All-Tackle Length records are highly competitive, yet they remain within reach for young, determined anglers eager to make their mark. Unlike traditional weight records, which may stand unchallenged for decades, length records are relatively new and frequently updated. This dynamic nature creates exciting opportunities for junior anglers to etch their names into the record book while competing for a piece of angling history.
Length records also bring a fresh perspective to sportfishing, offering an alternative to the traditional focus on weight. In some cases, All-Tackle length records rival the sizes of established weight records, while others reveal significant gaps, suggesting they are still attainable for aspiring anglers. This new frontier provides a thrilling challenge and an avenue for conservation-minded youth to engage with the sport in meaningful ways.
The accessibility and abundance of length record opportunities not only inspire the next generation of anglers to push their limits but also encourage them to play an active role in being involved with the IGFA.
Young Anglers to Watch
These young anglers are no strangers to the record books. They hail from places far and wide and have had success targeting a variety of species. They are are big part of the future of our sport.
Shawn Shapiro
On July 8, 2024, Shawn Shapiro was fishing his home waters of the Chesapeake Bay out of Norfolk, Virginia, when he landed this massive 116-centimeter red drum. Shawn was fishing with a live croaker aboard his father’s boat “Sea Mes” when this record red drum struck. With this fish, Shawn has set the IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior World Record for the species, his very first! After recording the length on his official IGFA Measuring Device and snapping a few photos, he was able to release the fish safely.
Cooper Garmeson
On October 21, 2023, Cooper, son of IGFA Captain Patric Garmeson was fishing in his home waters Dauphin Island, Alabama, when captured a new IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior Record for jack crevalle. This 93-centimeter jack crushed his lure with eye-popping ferocity. After a spirited seven-minute battle, they quickly measured the jack on the IGFA Measuring Device and released it unharmed marking Cooper's third IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior World Record.
Julia Mason Bernstein
On February 16, 2024, Julia Mason Bernstein of Miami, Florida, was fishing out of Key West in the Marquesas with goggle eyes aboard the "Bait Stealer" with guide Dale Bittner when she successfully hooked and landed a 72-centimeter mutton snapper. This impressive catch established the new IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior World Record. She carefully recorded the snapper’s length before releasing it to swim free once again. This marks Julia's 27th IGFA record across an impressive 20 different species!
Nathan “Bibil” Barreto
In the heart of the Araca River, Brazil, on February 12, 2024, Nathan “Bibil” Barreto of Winchester, Virginia, achieved a new IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior World Record with an 82-centimeter speckled peacock bass. Using a swimbait, Bibil hooked the powerful peacock and, after a brief but intense struggle, secured the record with a precise measurement and a stunning release photo. This was Bilbi's 18th total record across seven different species in two countries.
Sullivan McCarthy
On March 2, 2024, Sullivan who hails from Davidsonville, Maryland, set his third world record - the IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior World Record for Atlantic snook. He caught the 85-centimeter snook while fishing with Captain Jake Hine in Palmetto, Florida. It took a live pinfish bait, and after a five-minute fight, which surely felt longer, Sullivan documented the catch and released it to fight another day.
Jan Gredysa
On May 14, 2023, Jan Gredysa of Southampton, New York, made history fly fishing his home waters with IGFA Representative Jan Forszpaniak. His 77-centimeter bluefish, which took a custom fly, earned him both the IGFA All-Tackle Length Fly and Junior World Records. Gredysa carefully recorded the bluefish’s length and released it. This was his 14th IGFA World Record.
Max Grasso
With 14 current world records in total spanning across 10 species, Max Grasso of Baynton, Australia, was fishing out of Dampier, Australia, on April 1, 2023, when he landed a 77-centimeter kawakawa that set the IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior World Record for the species. After a quick measurement and photo, Max recorded his record-setting catch before sending it back into the sea.
Amy O’Brien
Amy O’Brien of Cork, Ireland was fishing off Wexford, Ireland, on July 28, 2024, when she landed this 54-centimeter European bass, her fourth total IGFA record. With this fish, Amy has set the IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior World Record for the species. Amy was using a live mackerel to entice this record sized European bass, and she was able to boat the fish after a quick fight. She then recorded the length on her official IGFA Measuring Device before releasing the fish safely.
Julian Hart Robertson IV
On August 1, 2024, Julian Hart Robertson IV of Vero Beach, Florida, landed a stunning 63-centimeter Arctic char while fly fishing in Alaska. After a fierce 15-minute battle, Julian secured the IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior World Record for the species. He measured the fish on his official IGFA Measuring Device and released it back into the frigid Alaskan waters, marking an incredible achievement in his young angling career and his third IGFA record.
Henry Bagwell
Henry Bagwell of Sabot, Virginia was fishing Lake Gaston, Virginia, on May 26, 2024, when he landed this 99-centimeter flathead catfish. With this fish, Henry has set the IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior World Record for the species, his very first of many more to come! Henry was trolling a crankbait when this fish struck and was able to boat the record catfish after a short fight. He recorded the length on his official IGFA Measuring Device and quickly to released the fish to fight another day.
These record-setting young anglers are leading the way in ethical fishing, proving that catching and releasing world-class fish can be rewarding and conservation-friendly. Through the IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior Category, they’re part of a movement that connects passion for fishing with a commitment to protecting aquatic ecosystems for the future!