Two long-standing records smashed by 'monster' 283lb alligator fish catch
Two men may have shattered two long-standing fishing records by reeling in a colossal alligator gar.
Art Weston, hailing from Kentucky, embarked on an adventure to East Texas, where he joined forces with the seasoned guide and fisherman, Captain Kirk Kirkland, who spends a staggering 250 days a year on the water and is renowned for his expertise in alligator gar fishing.
On September 2, Art Weston, accompanied by Captain Kirkland, set out on their fishing expedition aboard the aptly named "Garship Enterprise," heading to Lake Sam Rayburn with a goal in mind: to land a 130-pound alligator gar. Captain Kirkland explained the appeal of this endeavour, saying: "It's one of the species that people travel from every country in the world to fish for, and we have the best population here in the Trinity River."
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To increase their chances of success, the pair employed a 6lb line and sought a location with a sandy bottom and minimal obstacles, making Lake Sam Rayburn an ideal choice. Weston was well aware of the potential scarcity of fish in the area, but he was willing to take the risk for a shot at setting records.
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They reeled in a colossal 283-pound alligator gar in Lake Sam Rayburn, Texas (Facebook)
The battle lasted nearly three hours, showcasing their dedication and expertise (Facebook)After setting up two reels with cut bait and securing them in their rod holders, all that remained was to patiently wait for a bite. While they managed to reel in two alligator gars early on, the action began to slow down. Then, in an electrifying turn of events, one of their reels started screaming as a massive fish grabbed the bait and made a break for it.
Weston vividly recalled the intense struggle that followed. He told Fox News: "I remember yelling, ‘Oh my God, that’s a monster!'" For two hours and 45 minutes, he and Captain Kirkland battled the colossal alligator gar relentlessly. Kirkland, who kept the boat close to the fish, emphasised the exhausting nature of such an encounter.
The catch potentially shattered records that stood for over seven decades (Facebook)
The alligator gar was an impressive 100 inches long and 48 inches around (Facebook)Both anglers realised they were dealing with something extraordinary, but it wasn't until the two-hour-and-20-minute mark that they truly grasped the enormity of their catch. Weston exclaimed, "I said, ‘Kirk, she is coming up!’ and he increased the speed a bit, left the wheel, and was ready to land her when she surfaced. I remember yelling, ‘Oh my God, that’s a monster!’"
Upon finally bringing the giant fish ashore, Weston and Captain Kirkland took guesses at its weight. Their astonishment knew no bounds when they saw the scales register a whopping 283 pounds, a new all-tackle record.
Weston and Kirkland's achievement is under review by the International Game Fish Association (Facebook)
The catch emphasizes the importance of expert guides in fishing expeditions (Facebook)This extraordinary fish measured an impressive 100 inches in length and 48 inches in girth. As a result, Art Weston is poised to break both the International Game Fish Association's (IGFA) all-tackle and Men’s 3-kg (6 lb) line-class world records for alligator gar. The IGFA announced that these records are currently pending and under review, marking a potential historical achievement in the world of angling.
Jason Schratwieser, president of the IGFA, praised both Weston and Captain Kirkland as passionate and conservation-minded anglers who have demonstrated that breaking records is still possible in the sport of fishing. He noted the meticulous planning and ethical sportfishing practices that led to this extraordinary catch. If approved, these records will surpass feats that have been held for over seven decades, making this one of the most significant recreational angling accomplishments of the decade.
Weston and Kirkland's achievement is under review by the International Game Fish Association (Facebook)
Their successful battle underscores the thrill and challenges of recreational angling (Facebook)The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department describes the alligator gar as a species as ancient as the dinosaurs, inhabiting rivers, reservoirs, and estuaries across the state. Following the weigh-in, Weston and Kirkland chose to release their magnificent catch back into the water, contributing to the conservation of this remarkable species.
Art Weston expressed his gratitude for Captain Kirk's guidance, stating, "I can’t say enough about Captain Kirk and how he has helped me land so many wonderful fish. There are not too many guides that will put up with a record hunter and all the effort it takes, but he is the best there is." This achievement not only marks a historic moment in the world of fishing but also underscores the importance of expert guides like Captain Kirkland.
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