Virginia angler Howard Webb landed a 645-pound, 98 1/2-inch bluefin tuna yesterday, a fish that bests Bo Haycox’s 2007 573-pound state record by 72 pounds, but Webb’s fish won’t count in the record books. Webb took his fish from waters off the Virginia/North Carolina border. Recreational season for large medium/giant “trophy” bluefin larger than 73 inches south of Great Egg Inlet, New Jersey, had been closed since April 11 2014.

In order to keep the fish legally, Webb  had to use his commercial license. Thus, the fish is not considered a recreational-caught fish.

Webb pulled the fish from a large school he and his crew found churning the waters. Webb hooked four fish that ran his lines out and that he eventually lost with other fish in the school cut the lines.

When he hooked the fifth fish, Webb locked down his drag and engaged the fish in an all out battle of strength. It took him 45 minutes to bring the fish to boat.

Technically, Webb could challenge the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament rules in November at the next committee meeting, but sources are reporting that Webb has withdrawn his record application.

In any case, that’s a remarkable catch.

FISH ON!

 

 

 

 

Bluefin Tuna, fish, Fishing, Record, Virginia

By Sid

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