The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

8.5 kg. , 18.7 lbs.

Yellowtail, S Pacific Seriola lalandi grandis

Record Category: Women Sling / Polespear

Diver:		Sierra Laribee
Date:		3/4/2026
Location:		NEW ZEALAND

Darren took us to a spot, and without thinking much about it, I just hopped in like he said. As soon as I hit the water, he started yelling for me to dive because the fish would leave quickly. So I took a deep breath and went down. I stayed there waiting for what felt like forever, and my hand was getting tired from holding the spear loaded for so long without seeing anything. Eventually, I decided to take the loss and unload my spear. But the moment I did that, I saw one swimming in. I debated swimming back up because I was already running out of breath, but I figured I had to at least try. I loaded my spear as quickly as I could and took a Hail Mary shot. Thankfully it stuck well, but I had a hell of a time getting it back to the boat. Those fish fight hard, and for a fish that size, I definitely wasn’t expecting it. The crew on board watched me struggling to get the fish in, making sure not to help so I could get the record. It was definitely a thrilling experience, and we all had a good laugh afterward. Overall, it was an amazing experience, and I’m so glad I got to share it with the people I did
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