The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

18.1 kg. , 39.8 lbs.

Pompano, African Alectis ciliaris

Record Category: Men Sling / Polespear

Diver:		Alex Wilks
Date:		5/3/2016
Location:		BERMUDA

I was out diving for hogfish that day actually with no float line, so combing the reef; average depth around that area is about 40 feet. I was looking to my left and the Pompano swam out of deeper water to my righthand side. He swam right up at me, and I cocked the spear missing the first shot as he turned quickly and swam away. He swam down quite deep, and I chased him on the surface for about a minute and a half until he was in about 80 feet of water. He turned and started swimming back up towards me so I took a breath and dove down, meeting him at about 40 feet. This time the shot was a success, right behind his gill--but not a kill shot. I held onto the rubber from my spear and fought for the surface, gaining ground but was worried the fish would take off and break the rubber from the spear as it was very active. I then grabbed the spear itself but was having trouble getting to and staying at the surface because he was strong and tiring me out! I then switched back to holding the rubber and was able to call for my wife, as the boat was anchored about a half mile away. She quickly pulled anchor and drove over, and I pulled myself onto the ladder, then pulled the spear and Pompano on deck.