Newly Approved IGFA World Records
To see all newly approved IGFA World Records since March 2025, please click here.
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.
Williams’ Snubnose Pompano
Craig Williams was fishing the flats of Dampier, Australia, on December 19, 2024, when he landed this beautiful 6.72-kilogram (14-pound, 13-ounce) snubnose pompano. With this fish, Craig has set the IGFA Men’s 10-kg (20 lb.) Tippet Class Record for the species. He was able to entice this record pompano with a crab fly and landed the fish after a short fight. Craig then recorded the weight on his certified scale before releasing the fish safely.
Hale’s Red Drum
On February 9, 2025, Graig L. Hale was fishing the backwaters near Port Sulphur, Louisiana, when he landed a 95-centimeter red drum—tying the IGFA All-Tackle Length Fly World Record for the species. The record redfish ate a crab fly while Graig was fishing with Captain Scott MacCalla, making for an unforgettable day on the water. After boating the fish, Graig was able to record the length on his Official IGFA Measuring Device before releasing the fish safely.
Moss' Landlocked Striped Bass
Pamela Moss was fishing on Lake Lanier in Georgia, USA, on February 10, 2025, when she landed this 4.22-kilogram (9-pound, 5-ounce) landlocked striped bass. With this fish, Pam has set the IGFA Women’s 4-kg (8 lb.) Tippet Class World Record for the species. She was fishing with guide Dillon Lancaster when she landed this record fish. After recording the weight on her certified scale, she released the fish safely.
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.