2024 has been an extraordinary year for the world of fishing, with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) approving an impressive 471 World Records from 35 countries. This diverse collection of catches showcases the global passion for fishing and highlights just how wild and stunning the world’s fish species truly are. Among these records, several catches stand out not just for their size, but for their unique and almost alien appearances. Here are some of the most jaw-dropping fish caught in 2024, including new world records that will inspire many anglers to explore new fishing destinations.
Snakehead Fishing in Thailand: Moriyuki Kinai’s World Record Catch
One of the most visually striking catches of the year came from Moriyuki Kinai, who landed a 97-centimeter snakehead in Thailand on February 28, 2024. This fish, with its mesmerizing contrast of black, white, and golden highlights, almost seems unreal. The catch set the IGFA All-Tackle Length World Record for the species. Kinai was fishing at Khao Chuk Lake using a crankbait and fought the fish for 8 minutes before successfully landing it. After recording the length with an official IGFA Measuring Device, Kinai released the snakehead back into the water safely, preserving the species for future anglers to admire.
Giant Borneo Gourami: Pin’s Stunning 22-Pound Record from Indonesia
Another stunning catch came from NG Yam Pin, who caught a massive 22-pound, 8-ounce giant Borneo gourami in Putussibau, Indonesia on October 22, 2023. This giant fish, weighing 10.21 kilograms (22 pounds), was caught using a crankbait after a brief but intense fight. The vibrant colors of this gourami make it appear as though it belongs in a fantasy world. Pin documented, weighed, and safely released the fish, setting the new IGFA All-Tackle World Record for the species.
Fly Fishing in Seychelles: Sherbovich’s Record-Breaking Snubnose Pompano
In the Seychelles, Ilya Sherbovich set a new IGFA All-Tackle Length Fly World Record for the snubnose pompano on December 17, 2023. This fish, measuring 61 centimeters, was caught on Poivre Island after being enticed by an Alphlexo crab during a 15-minute fight. The fish’s wide, gradient-colored flank — transitioning from pearl to gold to chartreuse — is a true sight to behold, and the crystal-clear waters where they live make it a dream fishing location for many. As with the other record catches, Sherbovich measured and released the fish safely after capturing the impressive photos.
Runner-Up Contenders: Record-Breaking Sockeye Salmon and Milkfish
While the above records were extraordinary, a couple of other catches deserve special mention.
Kneer’s Sockeye Salmon
William Kneer IV set a remarkable record with his catch of a sockeye salmon on the Kisaralik River, Alaska. When sockeye salmon transition into their spawning colors, they take on an otherworldly appearance, a transformation that makes their natural beauty even more striking. This catch, part of an earlier article, is certainly one of the most visually impressive of the year.
Forszpaniak’s Milkfish
Finally, the milkfish species made headlines with a record number of new world records in 2024 — a total of 8 new records. The notable angler behind these records is Jan Forszpaniak, a world-renowned fisherman with over a hundred IGFA records across multiple species. On April 18, 2024, Forszpaniak caught a 9.07-kilogram (20-pound) milkfish off Christmas Island, Kiribati. This catch set the IGFA Men’s 6-kg (12 lb) Tippet Class World Record for the species. Known for their endurance, milkfish are formidable opponents that fight for long periods, and Forszpaniak’s 20-minute battle with this specimen is a testament to the species’ resilience.
Conclusion
As we look back on the 2024 IGFA World Records, it’s clear that this year’s catches were not only remarkable for their size and power but also for their extraordinary beauty. From the sleek, gold-highlighted snakehead to the rainbow-colored gourami, these fish represent nature’s wildest designs. For anglers looking for their next challenge, these stunning catches might just inspire the adventure of a lifetime. Whether it’s the snakehead in Thailand, the gourami in Indonesia, or the pompano in Seychelles, the records set in 2024 highlight the incredible diversity of fish species around the world and the thrill of chasing after the next big catch.
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