Record-Breaking 443-Pound Yellowfin Tuna Off Baja California
Earl Gill IV Lands Record-Breaking 443-Pound Yellowfin Tuna Off Baja California
On November 11, 2024, North Carolina angler Earl Gill IV achieved a monumental feat in the world of sportfishing by landing a colossal 443-pound yellowfin tuna.
Fishing aboard the long-range vessel Excel, captained by Justin Fleck, Gill’s catch has been officially recognized by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) as both the All-Tackle World Record and the Men’s 60-kg (130 lb) Line Class World Record for the species.
The Epic Battle
The Excel was targeting the Lower Banks off Mexico when Gill’s chunk bait attracted the attention of the massive yellowfin. The ensuing battle lasted an intense 1 hour and 45 minutes, during which Gill employed a California-style rail rod paired with an Okuma Makaira 20 two-speed lever-drag reel spooled with 100-pound-test line. The fish took the bait approximately 150 feet below the surface, leading Gill on a grueling fight that required immense strength and endurance.
Captain Fleck recounted the moment: “We went down to the Lower Banks, and there was one particular bank that had all the signs of tuna. It seemed like they were just starting to filter into the area, but the ones showing were nice big ones.” After a day of limited bites, the decision to stay an extra day proved fruitful when Gill hooked into the record-breaking fish.
A Historic Catch
Upon returning to port, the Excel docked at Fisherman’s Landing in San Diego, California, where the tuna was weighed on a certified scale, confirming its weight at 443 pounds. This catch surpasses the previous all-tackle world record of 427 pounds set by Guy Yocom in 2012 near Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
The Excel crew ensured that the fish was weighed without any assistance that could disqualify it from record consideration. Gill used a shoulder harness and did not leverage the rail during the fight, adhering strictly to IGFA regulations.
Celebrating the Achievement
The catch has garnered significant attention within the fishing community. Dave Brown of Okuma expressed pride in the equipment’s performance: “The fact that this incredible catch was made using a Makaira 20 is a proud moment for the entire Okuma team and truly solidifies its legacy in long-range fishing.”
Gill’s achievement not only sets a new benchmark for yellowfin tuna catches but also highlights the potential of the Lower Banks region as a hotspot for record-breaking fish. As advancements in fishing gear continue, anglers are increasingly capable of landing such formidable catches, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sportfishing.
For more details on this historic catch, visit the IGFA’s official announcement: World Records for April 2025 – International Game Fish Association.
