The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

9.0 kg. , 19.8 lbs.

Buffalo, Smallmouth Ictiobus bubalus

Record Category: Men Sling / Polespear

Diver:		Travis Hardcastle
Date:		6/24/2018
Location:		UNITED STATES

The opportunity for me to be on the water is almost every evening after work but Saturday and Sunday mornings are reserved for diving. This Sunday morning was no different. I began my hunt in a favorite cove close to the house that has perfect structure to hold species favoring deep water but brings them shallow in the earlier hours of the day. The edge of the cove has a vertical cliff leading to deep water but above the ledge is a flat from 15 to 30 feet deep. Going slowing along the edge of the cliff I spotted the buffalo ahead of me on top of the flat feeding and completely unaware of my presence. I surfaced for a breath and began my stalk. The approach began at the rear of the fish while above with a continuous descent and calm as possible. As the distance shrunk making a shot near possible a boulder directed the fish upwards and into a perfect shot position from about 8 feet away. Upon release of the spear a short burst of speed to deep water was subdued almost immediately and the short swim to shore ended the fight.
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