Two new saltwater fishing records were recently recognized in the state of Georgia by the Department of Natural Resources. The record for the largest almaco Jack fish was set by Jason H. Rich, who reeled in a massive 23-pound, 15.04-ounce fish while fishing offshore between the South Ledge and Navy Tower R3. Rich, a licensed saltwater guide, was fishing aboard his boat ‘Slay Ride’ and used a spinning rod with a vertical jig to entice the record-breaking Almaco Jack. The fish shattered the previous record of 19 pounds, 10.53 ounces, which was set in March 2024. Almaco Jack fish typically weigh about 10 pounds, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s web page on the species.
Just two days after Rich shattered the almaco jack fish record, another monster was caught by Molly Strickland of Lumber City, Georgia. She reeled in a “hefty 30 pound, 14.24 ounce Blackfin Tuna while fishing near South Ledge. Strickland was fishing with a daisy-chain rigged with ballyhoo aboard the vessel ‘Bare Down,’ captained by Blake Barry. Strickland was recognized for tying the record for the largest blackfin tuna caught by a woman, as the previous record was a 30-pound, 8-ounce blackfin tuna set in 1999. According to the DNR’s rules and regulations page regarding Georgia saltwater fishing, to replace a record for a fish weighing between 20 and 100 pounds, the replacement must weigh at least 8 ounces more than the existing record. Blackfin tuna reach a maximum size of 39 inches and 46 pounds, considerably smaller than other tuna species.
The Department of Natural Resources shared the news of the record-breaking catches on their Facebook page. Both fish were caught earlier this month, with the almaco Jack fish being reeled in by Jason H. Rich and the Blackfin Tuna being caught by Molly Strickland. Rich set the new record for the largest almaco Jack fish, while Strickland tied the record for the largest blackfin tuna caught by a woman. The new records were set offshore in Georgia waters, showcasing the diverse marine life available for saltwater fishing enthusiasts in the state.
The previous record for the largest almaco Jack fish was shattered by Jason H. Rich, who caught a 23-pound, 15.04-ounce fish while fishing offshore between the South Ledge and Navy Tower R3. Using a spinning rod with a vertical jig, Rich was able to reel in the massive fish, surpassing the previous record of 19 pounds, 10.53 ounces. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s web page on the species notes that almaco Jack fish typically weigh about 10 pounds, making Rich’s catch truly exceptional. The record-breaking catch demonstrates the abundance of marine life off the coast of Georgia and the potential for anglers to achieve similar feats.
Molly Strickland’s catch of a 30 pound, 14.24-ounce Blackfin Tuna while fishing near South Ledge also made history in Georgia. Strickland’s catch tied the record for the largest blackfin tuna caught by a woman, as the previous record was set in 1999. Using a daisy-chain rigged with ballyhoo aboard the vessel ‘Bare Down,’ captained by Blake Barry, Strickland was able to reel in the hefty fish. Blackfin tuna, which reach a maximum size of 39 inches and 46 pounds, are considerably smaller than other tuna species. Strickland’s impressive catch showcases the opportunities for saltwater fishing enthusiasts in Georgia waters and highlights the potential for breaking fishing records in the state.
