The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

2.9 kg. , 6.4 lbs.

Sucker, Utah Catostomus ardens

Record Category: Men Speargun

Diver:		Mike Livingston
Date:		11/22/2023
Location:		UNITED STATES

I decided to make a late season trip out to one of my favorite local lakes. Typically this time of year the spearfishing slows down due to winter approaching. I knew that the water would be cold and I was right. I got into the water around 11:30 AM and the water was a balmy 50 degrees F. I could tell that the visibility would be good and so I made my way tot he predetermined dive spot off the shore of a little island. I began diving and wasn't seeing a lot of fish. I managed to shoot a very nice 30" and 10 lb walleye (personal best) and I kept diving around the island. I dropped down to about 15 feet and was sitting still along the bottom when I saw a fish approaching. I thought is was another walleye due to the body shape. As it got closer I realized it was a Utah Sucker. I have never personally seen a sucker in this particular lake, much less shot one and so I decided to take the shot. I landed a clean shot and came to the surface. Upon returning to shore my good friend and dive buddy Mike Kennedy informed me that he thought it could be a new state record. I went ahead and did the necessary stuff to submit for the state record. The next day my other dive buddy Kenny Western told me that it was big enough to beat the current world record. I was stoked! Such a great day in the water.