Remembering Ken Fraser: A Legendary Angler and Advocate for Sustainable Bluefin Fisheries 

 

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) joins the global angling community in mourning the passing of Ken Fraser, who passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, at the age of 81. Fraser’s name is forever etched in sportfishing history as the angler behind the IGFA All-Tackle World Record Atlantic bluefin tuna, a remarkable 1,496-pound fish caught off Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia, on October 26, 1979. Fought on rod and reel for just under an hour, the catch remains the heaviest bluefin tuna ever recorded and one of the most enduring records in the history of the sport.

For nearly five decades, Fraser’s legacy has been defined by his pursuit of giant bluefin tuna and his leadership in promoting sustainable fisheries. Beyond his world record, he became a passionate advocate for the evolution of the Canadian bluefin fishery, from its early years of heavy harvest to the world-class, catch-and-release charter destination it is today. His leadership and advocacy for responsible fishing practices helped transform North Lake, Prince Edward Island, into what is now recognized worldwide as the “Tuna Capital of the World.”

In recognition of his lifelong contributions to big-game angling and conservation, Fraser was honored by the IGFA with the Gil Keech Heavy Tackle Award. This distinction celebrated not only his record-setting achievement but also his tireless efforts to promote responsible angling and the long-term sustainability of bluefin tuna populations.

Earlier in 2025, Fraser’s historic catch was immortalized at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, where a full-scale replica of his 1,496-pound bluefin, commissioned by world-record angler and IGFA Trustee Gary Carter and created by King Sailfish Mounts, was unveiled beside the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame. The exhibit serves as a lasting tribute to Fraser’s monumental achievement and his enduring influence on the sport.

Fraser was also a talented author and storyteller. His 2013 book, "Possessed", chronicles the rise of the Canadian bluefin tuna fishery from its beginnings in the 1960s to its global prominence, capturing the essence of the anglers, captains, and communities that shaped it. The work remains an invaluable record of a defining era in big-game fishing history.

From his early days as a welder and lobsterman to his later years as a revered angler and advocate, Ken Fraser embodied the dedication, humility, and perseverance that define the sport. His impact extended beyond records and accolades; he inspired generations of anglers, scientists, and conservationists to pursue their passions responsibly and to protect the ocean’s greatest game fish.

The IGFA extends its deepest condolences to Marilyn, Mike, Rob, and the entire Fraser family. Ken Fraser’s life and legacy will continue to inspire anglers around the world for generations to come.