A group of fishing enthusiasts off the coast of Whitianga, New Zealand, were left in awe when a massive mako shark leaped aboard their vessel, leaving them stunned and breathless.
LIVINGSTON, Texas – In a thrilling twist of fate, Texas has once again become the stage for an extraordinary fishing adventure. This time, renowned angler Art Weston, hailing from Kentucky, reeled in a **potential world record** fish from the depths of Lake Livingston, crafting a heart-pounding chapter in his angling saga.
The Epic Battle Begins
On April 8, Weston teamed up with the exceptional fishing guide, Captain Kirk Kirkland, aboard his aptly named vessel, the **”Garship Enterprise.”** Their quest? To tackle what has hotly been debated as one of the toughest challenges in fishing – landing an alligator gar on ultra-light tackle.
“A true 1% likelihood catch.”
A Record-Breaking Stunt
After nearly four relentless hours grappling against a gargantuan alligator gar weighing in at **153 pounds and measuring 7 feet 3 inches**, Weston emerged victorious. The exhausting battle took him over **2 miles** across the lake, but the triumph was worth every moment. This catch has the potential to secure its place in the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) records as the largest freshwater fish ever landed on ultra-light tackle.
Read more about an angler who recently caught a record-setting ‘river monster’.
The Tactics Behind the Triumph
Weston’s mission for the day was not for the faint-hearted – he aimed to shatter the existing record of **110 pounds** for alligator gar caught on an astonishingly light **2-pound test line**. Understanding the fragility of his gear, Weston and Kirkland prepared meticulously with **6-foot steel leaders** and robust J-hooks, all while remaining compliant with IGFA guidelines. The reel drag was set incredibly soft, relying more on the fish’s stamina than brute force.
“In this situation, it’s about managing pressure rather than overpowering the fish,” Weston explained, emphasizing the need for strategy over strength.
Uncovering the Record-Worthy Fish
When the massive gar first struck, its roll didn’t immediately indicate its record-breaking size. Weston and Kirkland decided to pursue the fish, which proved to be a formidable opponent, often diving **8 to 12 feet** below the surface and remaining stubbornly anchored to the lake bed for more than ten minutes at a time.
“A huge thanks to Kirk; it was an incredibly tough fight—we nearly lost her multiple times,” Weston reflected, encapsulating the urgency and excitement of the day.
The Sweet Release
Once safely aboard, the magnificent fish was promptly weighed, measured, and photographed before being released back into the waters of Lake Livingston. According to IGFA regulations, this extraordinary catch is set to be officially recognized as the largest freshwater fish captured on ultra-light tackle worldwide, further asserting Weston’s remarkable legacy of **over 40 world records**.
The thrill of fishing often lies not just in the catch, but in the stories and battles fought along the way. To read about even more incredible fishing feats, check out this story of a Texas fisherman catching a massive alligator gar.
As fish tales go, Weston’s saga from Lake Livingston will surely become part of the fishing folklore, inspiring anglers everywhere to seek their own legendary catches!
