International Underwater Spearfishing Association
World Record  
4.7 kg. ,   10.3 lbs.
Sheepshead, Atlantic    Archosargus probatocephalus
Record Category: Men Sling / Polespear

Diver: John Ryan Colvin
Date: 4/3/2021
Location: UNITED STATES


After weeks of inclement conditions, the local freediving legend Keith “Mighty KC” Cottrell invited me out for the only feasible weather window of the spring sheepshead spawn. We waited for the wind to lay, and against our better judgment, we plowed through white caps to find a healthy school of fish. Lying on the structure around 40’ in 5-10’ of visibility, I faced a wall of curious snapper as I pulled back my polespear. Several sheepshead darted in and out, but it wasn’t until I started my ascent that the largest came into view, checking out my fins. I maneuvered my Neritic roller and landed a low, but solid, quartering-away shot.

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