Monster Yellowfin! Will it Break the Record?

Monster Yellowfin landed aboard Excel Sportfishing out of San Diego as they fished down the Mexico coast this past week. In fact, the yellowfin weighed in at 448-pounds on the boat scale and has a chance at becoming the new World Record if it is certified on Saturday Nov 16 at the docks.

Here is the press release that Okuma put out regarding the incredible catch as it happened to be caught on an Okuma Makaira 20 size reel. These reels are awesome and have been the demise of many a tuna, but this one tops them all.

ONTARIO, Calif. – Aboard the long-range sportfishing vessel Excel, on a 10-Day Trip out of San Diego, California, an angler has possibly made history by hooking and landing a massive 448-pound yellowfin tuna – a fish that could set a new IGFA world record. This jaw-dropping catch, potentially surpassing the current record by a few pounds, was powered by Okuma’s Makaira 20 Size 2-speed Lever Drag Reel – a reel designed for record-breaking battles. 

The yellowfin tuna, caught by angler, Earl Gill IV, was hooked using chunk bait on 100-pound test. The angler relied on a shoulder harness to endure the intense, hours-long fight to bring this giant aboard. The fish is now causing a wave of excitement as the Excel heads back to San Diego, where it will be weighed on an IGFA-certified scale to confirm its world-record potential Saturday morning. Guy Yocom holds the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) record for the largest yellowfin tuna caught using all-tackle gear at 427-lbs. The fishing community is buzzing with anticipation, eager to see if history will be made. 

“Here on the Excel, our mission is to put our anglers on the biggest fish in the ocean, but every now and then, we’re astonished by the sheer size of a catch,” said Justin Fleck, Owner and Captain of the Excel. “We’re thrilled for Earl to reel in the fish of a lifetime and can’t wait to see if it sets a new IGFA record ” 

The giant yellowfin was caught using Okuma’s flagship Makaira Black model, featuring a silver-etched yellowfin tuna on its matte black frame. The Makaira continues to live up to its legendary reputation for toughness and raw power, built for exactly these kinds of epic showdowns. Upon their return, the Makaira could go down as the reel that helped land the largest yellowfin tuna ever caught on rod and reel. 

“Okuma Fishing Tackle is proud to have played a role in this legendary catch. Said Michelle Gandola, Director of Marketing for Okuma. Since 1986, Okuma Fishing USA has been dedicated to creating precision-engineered fishing gear that empowers anglers to live out unforgettable moments on the water. The Makaira series embodies our commitment to quality – combining the finest materials with thoughtful design to help anglers tackle the fiercest game fish.” 

For more on Okuma’s Makaira reels and our full lineup, visit www.okumafishingusa.com. 

Will the Yellowfin Certify?

Whether this 448-pound yellow certifies or not, this thing is a true monster and will stand as the largest yellowfin tuna ever caught on rod and reel. But for how long? It was only 10 or so years ago when a 445 tipped the scales as the biggest, non-record fish. They just seem to keep on getting bigger.

Either way…lets go fishing!

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See you on the water!