world record bluefin
The boat was small – but the fish were big. Really big.
Working the waters of Houhora, New Zealand, in late February aboard his mere 20-foot craft, Western Break, Nathan Adams landed a 738-pound Pacific bluefin tuna, which stands to eclipse the all-tackle IGFA world record by more than 20 pounds if approved.
Adams, 42, of Muriwai, caught the monster on 80-pound gear while fishing the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council Nationals competition. His team also caught 12 billfish in 11 days during the event, according to Aucklank Now, including a 788-pound black marlin taken by teammate Alan Langdon. Five of those marlin were caught and released by a 16-year-old girl aboard Western Break.
Talk about a great week! But the big tuna stole the headlines. And what will Adams do with the fish? It’ll be going on the wall, he says – if he can convince his wife, that is.
“She says it will be like mounting a sofa!” Adams said.
