The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

12.9 kg. , 28.5 lbs.

Catfish, Flathead Plyodictis olivaris

Record Category: Men Sling / Polespear

Diver:		Ken Hekhuis
Date:		6/13/2021
Location:		UNITED STATES

This was a very exciting hunt as we knew the location of several large fish in the area. We had previously dove this area and my friend shot a beautiful Flathead with his speargun. We saw some very large fish lurking around that day and knew we needed to come back. Sunday morning we loaded up the gear and food for the day. The weather was perfect, calm, and warm. I was well prepared with a slip tip on my pole spear as flatheads have very soft flesh and I didn't want it to rip out. We arrived to the spot where old pilings submerged underwater host a hiding spot for the fish. The visibility was murky to which I made a couple scouting drops down first to see what was there. On one of the drops I saw a beautiful large Flathead and an absolute giant! The giant was easy 50lbs plus! I let my friends know that I located a couple and I would be going down to try and make a clean shot. I took a couple minutes for a nice breath up and my safety buddy Aaron spotted on the surface for me. I decended down the pilings about 15 feet. When I got close I could see both fish. The beautiful Big Flathead and the Giant! There just was not an ethical shot on the Giant with the pole spear so I chose to take the clean shot on the beautiful big one. He immediately took action to get away but the slip tip held and I steared him to the surface with the pole spear. Once on the surface I got my hand in his mouth. This has lead me here writing this story which was a blessing. I filmed the entire hunt on my gopro and am so proud to be lucky enough to have gotten this fish. Catfish are unique as they are very old and you have to respect that if you are going to take one. After being weighed and measured multiple times, we honored the fish by filleting him. I hope to break the speargun record with the giant if we ever cross paths again. Thank you for reading my story and remember to always dive with a buddy and stay safe. All the best!