The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

16.3 kg. , 35.9 lbs.

Grouper, Yellowfin Mycteroperca venenosa

Record Category: Men Sling / Polespear

Diver:		Kirk Aulin
Date:		11/27/2022
Location:		BAHAMAS

We had jumped into a new spot we found on the gps that looked promising. Within 5 minutes, Kyra spotted a 15-20lb yellowfin grouper on the bottom and I followed it to a cave. While breathing up, an even bigger grouper which we had thought was a large black went into the same cave. I dove down to 65ft to find the “black grouper” but when I put the flashlight on it I realized it was in fact a massive yellowfin grouper. I instantly lined up and shot into the cheek of the fish. It pulled my spear through the other side of the cave, ripping my belt reel line out before snapping the roller band on my headhunter pole spear. I watched the fish tangle in the reef as I ascended to the surface to catch my breath. The sharks started showing up instantly and I had to race to catch my breath before they found my fish. I quickly dove down to retrieve the fish as a shark was circling the hole he was tangled in and grabbed the fish, using the back end of my spear to poke the sharks away. Kyra met me half way up to help me fend off the sharks as I swam the fish to the boat.