The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

12.2 kg. , 26.9 lbs.

Drum, Black Pogonias cromis

Record Category: Women Sling / Polespear

Diver:		Sophia Pallavicini
Date:		7/20/2017
Location:		UNITED STATES

It was my first time diving the oil rigs in Fourchon, Louisiana. The murk on top was so dirty I could barely see my hand in front of me but once I dove down below 10ft the visibility opened up to nearly 40ft. The morning was slow, and I hadn't landed any fish. The rig I shot my Black Drum on was one of our last dive spots of the day. I dropped down below the murk layer, kept my chin tucked, and focused my eyes on the rig leg to reach a good depth. As I reached a comfortable depth around 45ft, I noticed the large Black Drum coming in and out of the bottom murk layer. I slowly cocked my Neritic Polespear and remained still, hoping the fish would emerge out of the bottom murk layer. He did and I approached slowly. Once in range I shot him just behind the gill plate! I couldn't fight him all the to the surface so I let line out from my hip reel. Once at the surface, I let my buddy on the boat know "big Drum!" as I pulled him to the surface. Once I had my hand in his gills, I slapped him on the boat transom! My Black Drum placed 1st in the Louisiana State Freedive Rodeo!
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