The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

58.4 kg. , 128.6 lbs.

Tuna, Pacific Bluefin Thunnus orientalis

Record Category: Women Speargun

Diver:		Tracy Fridye
Date:		7/8/2021
Location:		UNITED STATES

Shooting a bluefin tuna is all about opportunity. I had been relentlessly chasing bluefin for three seasons, unable to get a single chance to hop into the water and see one swimming. Finally, the tuna showed up during a week I was available and had the means to go offshore. On this particular day, I was with Captain Bly and my fiance chasing mixed-grade foamers. When it was my turn to be on the swim step, we found a school that at first glance appeared to be smaller grade tuna. I made a drop to 45 feet and some swam by me and they were a little far away. One tuna "chose" me and came just into range and I shot it with a 63" Captain Bly tuna gun. I was a little surprised it took the float down for over a minute. Once my float appeared, I immediately went to work to only find that I could not budge the tuna from depth. 15 minutes passed and I gained nothing. Finally, the tuna let up some and I was able to pull it up in about 5 minutes. When I caught visual, I saw that I had barely injured it. I went to take a second shot with a reef Captain Bly gun and nailed it through the gills. It gave up soon after and I was able to land the fish. Some might say I got lucky to get a big one. The truth is that anyone willing to put in time with grit and persistence will put themselves in a position to get lucky in the first place. After countless days on the water, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to take this fish.
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