Newly Approved IGFA World Records
To see all newly approved IGFA World Records since October 2025, please click here.
Pellas’ Broomtail Grouper
Eduardo Pellas added a notable achievement to his long IGFA history on July 28, 2025, when he landed a 34.02 kg (75 lb) broomtail grouper off the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. The catch, made near Mukul Resort, now stands as the IGFA Men’s 24 kg (50 lb) Line Class World Record for the species. Fishing aboard his 38-foot Viking Billfish, Andiamo, Pellas was working in about 120 feet of water when the powerful grouper struck a live bonito. After a measured fight, he brought the fish aboard and later confirmed its weight on a certified scale. His sons, Pietro and Joaquín, along with close friend Rodrigo Barcenas and his two sons, were present for the moment, making the accomplishment as much about shared experience as angling success. For Pellas, the new record marks a meaningful milestone and a memorable addition to his longstanding involvement with the IGFA.
Smith’s Marbled Grouper
On May 29, 2025, Gregory Smith was fishing out of Freeport, Texas, when he landed this impressive 15.47 kg (34 lb 2 oz) marbled grouper. With this fish, Gregory has set the IGFA All-Tackle World Record for the species. He was fishing aboard the "Big Dawg," captained by Scott Pierce, when this record grouper struck his jig. After boating the fish, Gregory headed to Pelican Rest Marina for an official weight on a certified scale.
Criscola’s Atlantic Bigeye Tuna
Michael Criscola Jr. was fishing the Hudson Canyon, New Jersey, aboard the "Crisdel" on August 24, 2025, when he landed this 46.27 kg (102 lb) Atlantic bigeye tuna. With this fish, Michael has set the IGFA Junior Men’s 24-kg (50 lb) Line Class World Record for the species. The record tuna struck a trolled ballyhoo and was boated after an 80-minute fight. Michael then returned to Brielle Yacht Club for an official weight on a certified scale.
Eskinazi’s Blubberlip Snapper
Vedat Eskinazi was fishing in Oman on March 12, 2025, when he landed this 12.99 kg (28 lb 10 oz) blubberlip snapper. With this fish, Vedat has set the IGFA All-Tackle World Record for the species. The record snapper struck a JYG jig and was landed after a 6-minute fight. He then recorded the weight on a certified scale, topping the previous record by more than three pounds.
Bernstein’s Alligator Gar
On July 14, 2025, Julia Bernstein was fishing the Trinity River in Texas when she landed this 14.54 kg (32 lb 1 oz) alligator gar. With this fish, Julia has set the IGFA Junior Women’s 3-kg (6 lb) Line Class World Record for the species. Julia was fishing with IGFA Captain Kirk Kirkland aboard the "Garship Enterprise" when this record fish struck her cut bait. After recording the weight on her certified scale, Julia released the fish safely.