The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

6.2 kg. , 13.6 lbs.

Bass, Striped (Freshwater, Landlocked) Morone saxatilis

Record Category: Women Sling / Polespear

Diver:		Shelby Lynn Peterson
Date:		9/4/2024
Location:		UNITED STATES

We headed out to the Colorado River to hunt striped bass, and I had one thing in mind on this trip which was setting the women’s world record for pole spear. The very first dive of the day, my husband and dive partner, Ryan, pulled up a nice striped bass. I had decided that I would stick to just using my pole spear that day, hoping to land a record-sized fish. The day went on, and I didn’t see a single striped bass. As we neared sunset, we decided to dive a weed line right before heading back into the marina. On one of my first dives along the weed line, I positioned myself on the deep side, scanning the deeper water. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a large striped bass cruising just above me, hunting the edge of the weeds. The fish was completely unaware of me. Slowly, I adjusted my pole spear, lined up the shot, and released it. The fish took off fast, but my slip tip engaged right into its spine. I didn’t waste a second—hugged the fish, brained it, and brought it to the boat. As I dug out the slip tip in the boat, I knew it was the record and was stoked. This trip had been partially planned in hopes of this moment, and I couldn’t believe I had successfully landed another world record.
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