Rebecca Jones, a Tillamook angler, wasn’t expecting a world record catch when she set out for a fishing trip near Garibaldi, Oregon. But that’s exactly what she might have landed!
Jones was hoping for dinner, but instead reeled in a unique eel-like fish called a monkeyface prickleback. These fascinating creatures, known for their resemblance to monkeys (hence the name), typically reside in the rocky shores of Oregon, staying within a 15-foot range. While more common in southern Oregon, monkeyface prickleback sightings have increased along the central and northern coasts in recent years, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).
A relative newcomer to fishing, Jones describes the catch as a bit of a challenge. “I kept losing bait,” she explains, “but I persevered.” Her persistence paid off when she felt a tug on her line. “The fight wasn’t intense,” she says, “but the fish was surprisingly strong. I even had to sit on it to remove the hook!”
The real surprise came when Jones realized what she had caught. Measuring a whopping 28 inches and weighing in at 4.8 pounds, this monkeyface prickleback could potentially be a world record breaker! The current record, set in 2008 at Yaquina Bay, sits at 3 pounds 4 ounces. Jones has submitted an application to the International Game Fish Association to see if her impressive catch will be officially recognized.
Congratulations to Rebecca Jones on her potentially record-setting catch! This exciting discovery highlights the diverse marine life found along the Oregon coast.
Image/Source: KOIN
