The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

4.7 kg. , 10.3 lbs.

Margate, Black Anisotremus surinamensis

Record Category: Men Sling / Polespear

Diver:		Raul Boesel Jr
Date:		1/20/2014
Location:		BAHAMAS

Was on a family trip with some friends. We just Docked in Great Harbour at around 3pm and decided to go on an afternoon dive around where the cruise ships pass. It was late afternoon by that time. No current, and the viz was about 50 foot. I had my manny puig pole spear with slip tip. We were diving some bleached reef in about 45ft. Not much life, but it looked good. I was looking under a ledge and could see some eyes inside. I waited a little and saw a bigger set of eyes. Thought it was a small mutton when I took the shot. I couldn't get it out of the ledge, and ended up clipping off my Aussie reel belt to the band on the puig and headed to the surface. After a quick breathe up, I was able to retrieve the fish. It was disappointing not seeing the mutton, but it was the biggest black margate I've ever seen! After getting back to the docks, my friend suggested to me that I weigh it. We had a certified scale with us, and it went 10.3lbs. I wasn't sure if it was a worthy fish to submit, but after speaking to more and more divers, they said that it was a solid margate, so I decided on filling out the paperwork. It was a tough hunt, and the first black margate I've ever eaten.