The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

8.3 kg. , 18.3 lbs.

Tuna, Skipjack Katsuwonus pelamis

Record Category: Men Speargun

Diver:		Ricardo Capitao Da Silva
Date:		2/1/2015
Location:		UNITED KINGDOM

February 1st 2015 at 9:30am. At the tiny and picturesque harbor of Ascension Island assisted by “Super Mario” we board infinity. The Crew - Craig Hall (Captain), Roberto Henriques, Tony Eynon, Nikos and myself – the divers. At around 11:00am divers got into the water in a spot named PANAM 2 miles away from coast at the Southeast side of the Island. The wind was moderate weak current and temperature of sea water around 26ºC. After some reconnaissance dives to half water - 10 meters depth I see a “ginormous” shoal of jack skip tuna passing nearby at high speed but at a safe distance not giving me any shooting opportunity (typical behavior that a larger predator was nearby). This episode is repeated twice again. I managed to gain ground and at the fourth passage I was closer to this nervous shoal. Took a deep breath and went down to intercept their trajectory. At about 15 meters deep the shoal approaches me and I pointed my 1,60m RA speargun to the fish by far the largest. The fish was keeping a little distance regarding the shoal. I approached the maximum I could and without losing the sight shot him at its rear half. The shot seemed to be firm; the fish took off straight to the bottom taking with him my entire RA 30 meters bungee. I went up to the surface grabbing my 15litre RA hard float. From then I start gently pulling up my bungee without putting any additional pressure on the system and 10 minutes later had my fish safely secured at my hands Fortunately my suspicion was confirmed. It was really a solid shoot not giving the fish the slightest chance of escaping. This was undoubtedly one of the magnificent memories that I will keep forever of this remote and very special island. See you soon Ascension Island!
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