Midway through a 10-day charter trip, a North Carolina angler hooks a 443-pound giant, setting the stage for a new IGFA record. In mid-November, aboard the renowned 124-foot charter boat Excel, North Carolina angler Earl Gill IV made headlines by landing what could be the largest yellowfin tuna ever caught on rod and reel. The impressive 443-pound catch occurred during a long-range fishing expedition off Southern California, turning an ordinary trip into a potential record-breaking event.
The Catch of a Lifetime
On November 11, while fishing at a depth of 150 feet using chunk bait, Gill hooked into an unusually powerful tuna. Equipped with a rail-style rod and an Okuma Makaira 20 two-speed reel spooled with 100-pound test line, he engaged in a grueling battle from the boat’s stern. The fight pushed his gear—and endurance—to the limit, nearly stripping his reel of line. After an intense struggle, Gill finally brought the massive yellowfin to the surface, where it was hauled aboard to the amazement of the Excel crew.
Weight and Verification
The onboard scale initially pegged the tuna at 448 pounds, significantly surpassing the current International Game Fish Association (IGFA) all-tackle record of 427 pounds. However, with the trip only halfway complete, the fish needed to be refrigerated until the boat returned to San Diego, potentially causing a slight weight loss. Upon their return, the tuna was officially weighed on certified land-based scales, registering at 443 pounds.
Jason Gross, manager of the Excel, confirmed the measurements: the fish was 84 inches long with a girth of 66 inches. “It was a special catch,” Gross told Outdoor Life. The prized fish was subsequently processed for its highly sought-after meat, while Gill began preparing the necessary documentation for IGFA record submission.
A Rare Achievement
According to Captain Justin Fleck, only four other yellowfin tuna exceeding 400 pounds have ever been caught on rod and reel. “Every now and then, we witness a catch that leaves us in awe,” Fleck shared on the Excel’s Facebook page. “Earl’s accomplishment is truly extraordinary, and we’re excited to see if this will officially set a new IGFA record.”
There have been some questions about the catch’s eligibility due to the trip’s duration and the tackle used. However, Gross clarified that Gill used his personal gear and adhered strictly to IGFA guidelines. Importantly, Captain Jeremiah Sapp, part of the Excel crew, verified that Gill relied solely on a shoulder harness—an IGFA-approved method—rather than the boat’s rail for leverage. This detail is crucial, as using the rail would disqualify the catch under IGFA rules.
Awaiting Official Recognition
If approved, Gill’s catch will dethrone the current IGFA all-tackle record set in 2012 by Guy Yocom, who caught a 427-pound yellowfin near Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The verification process involves meticulous review of the submitted paperwork and adherence to IGFA standards, but expectations are high for Gill’s record to be certified soon.
Reflecting on the monumental catch, Gill expressed his amazement at the experience. “I think a lot of factors came together perfectly,” he said, underscoring the unpredictability and thrill of big-game fishing.
Should IGFA confirm the record, this catch will not only mark a personal milestone for Gill but also add a new chapter to the legacy of the Excel and the rich tradition of sportfishing off Southern California’s coast.
Image/Source: OutdoorLife
