The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

17.1 kg. , 37.6 lbs.

Drum, Black Pogonias cromis

Record Category: Women Sling / Polespear

Diver:		Julie Augustine
Date:		10/1/2022
Location:		UNITED STATES

I was invited to join the Godfather of Destin spearfishing, Fred Cardet, and self-proclaimed Monsenior of Fun, Joe D'Agostino, on what was suppose to be a short boat ride on a typical sunny Florida day over calm waters to scout a few future dive locations- comfortable conditions when 8 months pregnant. The crew ended up being me and Joe. As luck would have it, a few large black drum were spotted in the bay. We went back to grab gear, a 9ft Bermudian slip tip polespear and returned to the water. Though it was fairly shallow and the drum were somewhat visible from the surface, I couldn't see past my speartip underwater. I fully cocked the polespear and descended to hunt. After I was able to maneuver horizontal (a feat of itself at this stage of pregnancy), a shadow of what looked like a sizable drum swam near. I lined up and took a shot. It was a solid hit. I was able to secure it close without it taking much line from my belt reel or hitting my belly. After getting a good hold on its gills, I swam us back to the ladder for leverage and heaved it out of the water. So much gratitude to Mike Pooler and my fellow dive buddies with Benthic Ocean Sports who work tirelessly to educate and keep our community safe while having fun with this incredible sport.