A 21-year-old St. Marys resident, Lauren Harden, has shattered a nearly 50-year-old state record for saltwater fish. On May 24th, while fishing off Cumberland Island, Georgia’s largest barrier island, Harden reeled in a massive crevalle jack weighing a whopping 33 pounds, 10.72 ounces.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources announced the impressive catch on June 5th. Crevalle jacks, known for their speed, strength, and distinctive “grunt or croak” when caught, are popular with sport fishermen. While Harden’s catch is impressive, these fish can reach weights exceeding 70 pounds.
The previous record for a crevalle jack in Georgia belonged to Ann Allen, who reeled in a 30-pound, 6-ounce specimen in 1981. The current record for male anglers is held by Lex Bazemore, who caught a 38-pound, 8-ounce crevalle jack in 2001.
“We are thrilled to congratulate Ms. Harden on this extraordinary achievement,” said Tyler Jones, a public information officer with the Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Resources Division. “Records like this inspire others and showcase the rich diversity of marine life thriving in Georgia’s coastal waters.”
Image/Source: CBSNews
