Newly Approved IGFA World Records
To see all newly approved IGFA World Records since October 2024, please click here.
Barreto’s Payara
At just six years old, Nathan “Bibil” Barreto is already making waves in the angling world! While fishing Brazil's iconic Juruena River on July 8, 2024, Nathan landed a jaw-dropping 11.79-kg (26-lb) payara. With this catch, he smashed the IGFA Men’s Smallfry World Record for the species. The young angler was fishing with cut bait when the record-setting payara bit. After verifying the weight on his certified scale, Nathan ensured the safe release of this magnificent fish, proving that conservation is a skill no angler is too young to learn.
Arostegui’s Alligator Gar
Fishing the wild waters of Texas’ Trinity River on August 8, 2024, Roberta Arostegui reeled in an extraordinary 30.16-kg (66-lb, 8-oz) alligator gar. Guided by IGFA Captain Kirk Kirkland, Roberta earned the IGFA Women’s 10-kg (20-lb) Line Class World Record for this prehistoric predator. The massive gar attacked a Rat L Trap and put up a 35-minute battle before Roberta brought it to the boat. With a certified weight recorded, Roberta celebrated the achievement by releasing the fish back into its habitat.
Sherbovich’s Inconnu
On July 19, 2024, Ilya Sherbovich ventured into the frigid waters of Russia’s Laptev Sea and walked away with a story for the ages. Casting a streamer, Ilya landed an impressive 13.50-kg (29-lb, 12-oz) inconnu, securing the IGFA Men’s 10-kg (20-lb) Tippet Class World Record for this elusive species. The fight lasted only seven minutes, but the memory will last a lifetime. After recording the weight on a certified scale, Ilya made sure this rare catch swam away safely.
Sherbovich’s Atlantic Salmon
Fishing isn’t just a passion for the Sherbovich family; it’s a legacy! On June 11, 2024, Sofia Sherbovich reclaimed family bragging rights on Russia’s Ponoi River by landing a stunning 94-cm Atlantic salmon. With this catch, Sofia claimed the IGFA All-Tackle Length Fly World Record for the species—a title that had belonged to her brother for two years! Using her official IGFA Measuring Device, Sofia documented her achievement before releasing the salmon to continue its journey upriver.
Spring’s Atlantic Halibut
On July 22, 2024, IGFA Ambassador Alexandra Spring turned heads in the angling community with her impressive 15.37-kg (33-lb, 14-oz) Atlantic halibut, caught off Orleans, Massachusetts. This catch earned Alex the IGFA Women’s 15-kg (30-lb) Line Class World Record for the species. The halibut hammered a jig and was brought in after a brief but exciting fight. Back at the docks, Alex recorded the fish’s official weight on her certified scale before celebrating a well-earned spot in the record books.