2025 IGFA World Record Recap

A look back at some of the most incredible IGFA World Records approved in 2025

Record keeping has been at the heart of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) since its founding in 1939. For over eight decades, IGFA World Records have celebrated the pinnacle of achievement in sport fishing, validating some of the most extraordinary feats in the angling world. These records not only honor the skill and perseverance of anglers but also serve as a historical ledger of the sport’s evolution and its most remarkable accomplishments.

In 2025, the angling community experienced another fantastic year of record fishing! With 618 approved records throughout the year for anglers fishing in 33 different countries. 2025 saw records submitted across all available categories, including the newly introduced IGFA Junior Line and Tippet Class record category, which saw 150 IGFA World Records approved in its first year. Throughout the year the IGFA approved a plethora of impressive world records, from the ocean to the flats, and in lakes, rivers and streams across the globe.

Join us as we dive into some of the standout achievements from this extraordinary year, celebrating the anglers and their unforgettable catches that etched their names into IGFA’s storied history.

 

 

2025 World Record Highlights

 

Barreto’s Redtail Catfish

On September 16, 2025, Nathan "Bibil" Barreto was fishing the Nhamunda River in Brazil when he landed this beautiful 104 cm redtail (pirarara) catfish. With this fish, Nathan has set the IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior World Record for the species. The record catfish struck his cut bait and was landed after a short fight. After recording the length on his Official IGFA measuring device, Nathan was able to release the fish safely.

 
 
 

Duncan's Cobia

On February 17, 2025, Koby Duncan landed this massive 79.60-kilogram (175-pound, 7-ounce) cobia to set both the IGFA All-Tackle and IGFA Men’s 24-kg (50-lb.) Line Class World Record for the species. Koby was fishing off Rottnest Island in Western Australia when this incredible fish struck his Z-Man JerkshadZ. After boating the fish, Koby returned to Fisherman’s Harbour in Freemantle for an official weight on a certified scale. Koby’s fish shattered the previous record, set in 1985, by nearly 40 pounds!

 
 
 

Gill's Yellowfin Tuna

On November 11, 2024, Earl Gill IV was fishing aboard the Excel captained by Justin Fleck when he landed this massive 200.94-kilogram (443-pound) yellowfin tuna. With this fish, Earl has set the IGFA All-Tackle World Record as well as the IGFA Men’s 60-kg (130-lb.) Line Class World Record for the species, surpassing the previous records by 16 pounds! The Excel was fishing the Lower Banks off Mexico when this record yellowfin struck Earl’s cut bait. After an intense 1 hour and 45-minute fight, the crew of the Excel was able to gaff the tuna and bring it aboard. The Excel then returned to port, where Earl was able to record the weight on a certified scale at Fisherman’s Landing in San Diego.

 
 
 
 

Kowalski's Blackfin Tuna

On June 1, 2024, Robert Kowalski was fishing off Miami, Florida, aboard the Miss Britt when he landed this massive 22.71-kilogram (50-pound, 1-ounce) blackfin tuna. The record blackfin struck a live bait off a kite and was boated after a 20-minute fight. Robert then returned to Grove Harbor Marina in Coconut Grove, Florida, for an official weight on a certified scale. With this fish, Robert has set the IGFA All-Tackle World Record for the species.

 
 
 
 
 

LaBadie's Great Barracuda

IGFA Captain Nick LaBadie was fishing off Key West, Florida, on January 31, 2025, when he landed this massive 142-centimeter great barracuda on fly. With this fish, Nick has set the IGFA All-Tackle Length Fly World Record for the species. He hooked the barracuda on a needlefish fly and was able to land the fish after an intense fight. Nick then recorded the length on his Official IGFA Measuring Device before releasing the fish safely.

 
 
 

Mota's Blue Peacock

On August 15, 2024, Murilo Soares Mota was fishing Tres Marias Lake in Brazil when he landed this beautiful 63-centimeter blue peacock. With this fish, Murilo has set the IGFA All-Tackle Length World Record for the species. After landing the fish, he was able to record the length on his Official IGFA Measuring Device before releasing the fish safely.

 
 
 
 

O'Brien's Wels

 

On April 16, 2025, Amy O’Brien was fishing the River Segre in Spain when she landed this impressive 68.04-kilogram (150-pound) wels. With this fish, Amy has set the IGFA Women’s 65-kg (130-lb) Line Class World Record, the IGFA Junior Women’s 65-kg (130-lb) Line Class World Record and the IGFA Female Junior World Record for the species. After recording the weight on her certified scale, Amy was able to release the fish safely.

 
 
 
 
 

Pellas' Broomtail Grouper

Eduardo Pellas added another milestone to his long history with the IGFA on July 28, 2025, when he landed a 34.02-kilogram (75-pound) broomtail grouper off Nicaragua’s Pacific coast. Caught near Mukul Resort, the fish 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, in approximately 120 feet of water, Pellas hooked the powerful grouper on a live bonito and brought it to the boat after a steady, hard-fought battle, later confirming its weight on a certified scale. The achievement was shared with his sons, Pietro and Joaquín, along with close friend Rodrigo Barcenas and his two sons, making the record as much about family and friendship as it was about angling success and a meaningful addition to Pellas’s longstanding involvement with the IGFA.

 
 
 
 

Rowe's Swordfish

 

On May 15, 2025, Charlie Rowe was fishing out of the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, when he landed this impressive 137.40 kg (302 lb 14 oz) swordfish. With this fish, Charlie has set the IGFA Men's 15-kg (30-lb) Junior Line Class World Record. He was fishing aboard the Rowe 'De' O with IGFA Tommy Gifford Award recipient John Batterton when they caught this world record broadbill. Charlie then returned to Paihia Weigh Station for an official weight on a certified scale.

 

 
 

Salles' Payara

On November 22, 2024, IGFA Representative and multiple World Record holder, Rodrigo Salles, was fishing the Rio Xingu in Brazil when he landed this 84-centimeter payara. With this fish, Rodrigo has set the IGFA All-Tackle Length Fly World Record for the species. Rodrigo landed the toothy payara on a black streamer fly. He was then able to record the length on his Official IGFA Measuring Device before releasing the fish safely.

 

 
 
 

Walker's Grey Snapper

Captain Ed Walker was fishing out of Tarpon Springs, Florida, on March 25, 2025, when he landed this 60-centimeter grey snapper. With this fish, Ed has set the IGFA All-Tackle Length Fly World Record for the species. Ed was fishing aboard his boat, Long Gone, when this record snapper took his fly. After recording the length on his Official IGFA Measuring Device, he was able to release the fish safely.

 

 
 

Weston's Alligator Gar

 

On April 8, 2025, Art Weston was fishing Lake Livingston with  IGFA Captain Kirk Kirkland, when he landed this incredible 69.40-kilogram (153-pound) alligator gar. With this fish, Art has set the IGFA Men’s 1-kg (2-lb) Line Class World Record for the species, surpassing his previous record by an impressive 43 pounds! After recording the weight on his certified scale, Art was able to release the fish safely.

 

 

 

Wrapping up the Year

While all these anglers may not have originally set out to land an IGFA World Record fish, the opportunity presented itself and their understanding of the IGFA World Record Requirements led to them securing an incredible accomplishment. As anglers, we never know what the next cast will bring and that is what drives our passion for the sport. By learning and better understanding the IGFA International Angling Rules and IGFA World Record requirements you can help prepare for when that next cast leads to a fish of a lifetime. We are always available to assist with any questions you may have. 

We look forward to another amazing year of fishing in 2026, filled with incredible catches and memories that will last a lifetime.