34 Facts About Biggest Fish Ever Caught

The Largest Fish Ever Caught

Fishing enthusiasts and marine biologists alike are fascinated by the tales of gigantic fish. These underwater giants have been caught in various parts of the world, each with its own unique story.

1. The largest fish ever caught was a great white shark weighing 2,664 pounds. It was caught off the coast of Ceduna, Australia, in 1959 by Alfred Dean.
2. A massive Atlantic bluefin tuna weighing 1,496 pounds was caught by Ken Fraser in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1979. This record still stands today.
3. In 1953, a black marlin weighing 1,560 pounds was caught by Alfred Glassell Jr. off the coast of Cabo Blanco, Peru.
4. The heaviest swordfish ever caught weighed 1,182 pounds. Louis Marron caught it in 1953 near Iquique, Chile.
5. A giant tiger shark weighing 1,785 pounds was caught by Walter Maxwell off the coast of South Carolina in 1964.

Freshwater Giants

Not all record-breaking fish come from the ocean. Some of the largest fish have been caught in freshwater bodies around the world.

6. The largest freshwater fish ever caught was a Mekong giant catfish weighing 646 pounds. It was caught in Thailand in 2005.
7. In 1985, a white sturgeon weighing 1,100 pounds was caught in the Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada.
8. A massive alligator gar weighing 327 pounds was caught in the Rio Grande River, Texas, in 1951 by Bill Valverde.
9. The largest Nile perch ever caught weighed 230 pounds. It was caught in Lake Victoria, Uganda, in 2000.
10. In 2009, a giant freshwater stingray weighing 646 pounds was caught in the Maeklong River, Thailand.

Record-Breaking Catches

These fish not only broke records but also left an indelible mark on the fishing community.

11. A colossal blue marlin weighing 1,402 pounds was caught by Jay de Beaubien in Hawaii in 1982.
12. In 1992, a Pacific bluefin tuna weighing 1,496 pounds was caught off the coast of New Zealand by Ken Fraser.
13. The largest tarpon ever caught weighed 286 pounds. It was caught in 2003 off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, West Africa.
14. A giant goliath grouper weighing 680 pounds was caught off the coast of Florida in 1961 by Lynn Joyner.
15. In 2001, a massive Atlantic halibut weighing 418 pounds was caught off the coast of Norway.

Legendary Sharks

Sharks are often the stars of big fish stories, and for good reason. These predators can grow to enormous sizes.

16. The largest hammerhead shark ever caught weighed 1,280 pounds. It was caught in 2006 off the coast of Boca Grande, Florida.
17. In 1983, a massive mako shark weighing 1,221 pounds was caught off the coast of Massachusetts by Luke Sweeney.
18. A gigantic thresher shark weighing 1,250 pounds was caught in 2007 off the coast of New Zealand.
19. The largest bull shark ever caught weighed 1,000 pounds. It was caught in 2012 off the coast of Florida.
20. In 2015, a massive tiger shark weighing 1,450 pounds was caught off the coast of Australia.

Unusual Catches

Some of the largest fish caught are not the usual suspects. These unusual catches have surprised even seasoned anglers.

21. The largest mola mola, or ocean sunfish, ever caught weighed 5,070 pounds. It was caught off the coast of Japan in 1996.
22. A massive beluga sturgeon weighing 2,664 pounds was caught in the Volga River, Russia, in 1827.
23. In 2008, a giant arapaima weighing 485 pounds was caught in the Amazon River, Brazil.
24. The largest wels catfish ever caught weighed 297 pounds. It was caught in the Po River, Italy, in 2010.
25. A colossal paddlefish weighing 198 pounds was caught in the Missouri River, USA, in 2011.

Deep-Sea Behemoths

The deep sea holds some of the most mysterious and largest fish ever caught.

26. The largest Greenland shark ever caught weighed 2,209 pounds. It was caught in 1987 off the coast of Norway.
27. In 2013, a massive sixgill shark weighing 1,298 pounds was caught off the coast of Ireland.
28. A giant oarfish measuring 36 feet long was caught in 1996 off the coast of California.
29. The largest Atlantic cod ever caught weighed 103 pounds. It was caught in 1969 off the coast of Norway.
30. In 2004, a colossal bigeye tuna weighing 392 pounds was caught off the coast of Japan.

Modern-Day Giants

Even in recent years, anglers continue to catch record-breaking fish.

31. The largest blue catfish ever caught weighed 143 pounds. It was caught in 2011 in Kerr Lake, Virginia.
32. In 2018, a massive yellowfin tuna weighing 427 pounds was caught off the coast of Mexico.
33. A giant barramundi weighing 98 pounds was caught in 2010 in Lake Monduran, Australia.
34. The largest zander ever caught weighed 42 pounds. It was caught in 2016 in the River Danube, Hungary.

The Final Cast

Fishing enthusiasts have always been fascinated by tales of the biggest fish ever caught. These stories not only highlight the skill and patience required but also the sheer size and power of these aquatic giants. From the massive Great White Shark to the enormous Bluefin Tuna, each catch tells a unique story of adventure and perseverance.

Understanding these records gives us a glimpse into the incredible diversity and scale of marine life. It also reminds us of the importance of conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats. Whether you're an avid angler or just someone who loves a good fish tale, these facts about the biggest fish ever caught are sure to inspire and amaze.

So next time you cast your line, remember the legends of the deep and the extraordinary fish that have made history. Happy fishing!