The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

29.5 kg. , 65.0 lbs.

Grouper, Broomtail Mycteroperca xenarcha

Record Category: Men Sling / Polespear

Diver:		Derik Rush
Date:		11/19/2022
Location:		MEXICO

This fish was taken the first day diving during a 3 week Baja road trip. Nathan and I had scouted this spot previously and knew if there was anywhere in the world to take the broomtail pole spear world record, it would be here. We lined up a panga for the next morning, set our alarms early, and prepped our gear. We had a different captain than we’ve had in the past, and it took a little time to find the right spot. Eventually, we came across a nice pinnacle in 20 m of water that was holding fish. Visibility was not the greatest, so we marked the spot with a float and began making drops in search of the record. I was coming face to face with some respectable size fish but held off for the right one. After some time I made a dive that put me right in the middle of a big group of broomtails. A monster came close to check me out but spooked just before I took my shot. I immediately turned and reloaded my Crist pole spear and that's when I saw my fish just within range. I connect, and the grouper takes off full speed, straight into a hole. I make a couple of dives and find only the end of my pole spear sticking out from a cave, I swim over the rock to find that the fish had worked his way out of a tiny crack on the other side. It was now in a position where I was able to place a second shot with my backup pole spear. I dig my original spear out of the cave and disconnect the line. From this point, I am able to freely bring the fish to the surface and get him in my hands. The evening winds started picking up so we raced back to shore, zeroed the scale, and weighed the grouper before the tide came up and the sun set.
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