The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

23.7 kg. , 52.2 lbs.

Mackerel, Narrowbarred Spanish Scomberomorus commerson

Record Category: Men Sling / Polespear

Diver:		Robert Berto
Date:		7/27/2025
Location:		AUSTRALIA

My dive buddy and I have been manifesting this fish for quite some time. We knew the time of year, the location and the gear required to shoot this amazing fish. We headed out early with a cool offshore breeze blowing, we were greeted with clean water and the sound of Humpback whale song in the background. There was bait around but it was not as active as we were hoping. Slow drifts allowed us to scope the drop offs and pressure points. We had seen a couple Spanish Mackerel around but they definitely weren't Kamikaze... A drift reset found us way up current in the deeper water around 30 meters where some queenfish were found milling/ feeding on the surface- Andrew and Myself slid into the water leaving Nikki on the boat. I took a dive to around 15 meters and hung mid water column. Feeling relaxed, I looked around and saw a torpedo of a mackerel coming straight in for me. I started my go pro, loaded my pole spear in one swift motion, lined him up, gave one last kick and released.. A solid mid body shot but not the spine shot I was hoping for. The line burned off my belt reel and I struggled to apply pressure with my glove free hand. When I had only 10 meters of belt reel line remaining I finally started gaining on the fish. Hand over fist I was bringing him to the surface. My dive buddy saw the whole thing and was right beside me for the chase. As the fish neared the surface, Andrew offered his pole spear for a second shot, I denied as I was confident that the slip tip had toggled perfectly and was doing its job just fine. Grabbing the fishes tail it reminded me of how big and powerful it was! I slid my uncovered hand up its gills and held on tight. Once iki spiked I yelled with utter joy and relief- and shared a solid hi five with my best mate right beside me and my partner Nikki close by in the boat. We were ecstatic! As a team its something we will never forget.
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