Skip to main content

13-Year-Old Angler Fights 63-Pound 'Beast,' Possibly Smashing 20-Year-Old World Record

A Northern California teenager has landed a colossal 63-pound white sea bass in an epic struggle that may have shattered a world record that has stood for over two decades.

13-Year-Old Angler Fights 63-Pound White Sea Bass in California

Julian Her, a 13-year-old from Rio Oso who weighs just slightly more than his catch, was fishing for halibut in Tomales Bay with his family when his rod suddenly bent double under the force of a monstrous, unseen creature.

"I thought it was a shark when I first saw it," Julian said, describing the moment the fish surfaced after a grueling fight.

The battle was so intense that his family initially thought he was exaggerating. “We were just kind of like, ‘Knock it off. C’mon, just reel it in,’” recalled his father, Rinna Her. “After a while, I thought, well maybe this is a bigger fish and I should probably start recording.”

What is white sea bass

His instinct was right. The video, now a cherished family record, shows Julian’s determined struggle against the powerful fish. “My arms were hurting,” Julian recounted. “It was like reeling in a beast.” With his uncle providing crucial support by steadying the rod, but not touching the reel, adhering to strict fishing rules Julian persevered.

After an adrenaline-fueled fight, they finally hauled the giant white sea bass into the boat. It was a moment of pure astonishment. The fish was so large it nearly dwarfed the young angler.

The Her family has now submitted a formal application to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) to certify the catch as the new All-Tackle Juvenile World Record. The current record, a 59-pound white sea bass, has remained unbroken since 2002.

Teen reels in white sea bass in california

What Is a White Sea Bass?

The white sea bass (Atractoscion nobilis) is a highly prized game fish found along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Mexico. Known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, they are a premier target for sport fishermen.

These silvery giants are not true bass but are the largest fish in the croaker family; the same family as the California kingfish and the Atlantic croaker. They are a key species in California's marine ecosystem and a success story for conservation efforts.

Size and Growth

They can grow over 5 feet long and weigh more than 90 pounds. Julian's 63-pound catch is a remarkable specimen for any angler, let alone a junior.

Conservation sea bass populations faced significant decline due to overfishing and habitat loss. Thanks to strict regulations and successful hatchery programs run by organizations like the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, their numbers have rebounded, making such trophy catches possible again. This makes Julian's catch not just a personal victory, but a symbol of successful wildlife management.
Julianne Her Catches Huge fish in california

“We had a blast. We made core memories for life,” said Rinna Her, emphasizing that the experience was the real prize. “He already loved fishing, but he's going to be a fisherman for life now.”

While the family awaits the IGFA's final verdict, Julian’s story is already a legendary tale of patience, strength, and an unforgettable day on the water.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How Much Does It Really Cost to Start a Catfish Farm in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt in 2025?

After the Nigerian government hinted at a possible ban on fish importation , my inbox began to fill with a familiar question from would-be fish farmers in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt: “Can I start a catfish farm now and do it for less?” It’s a timely concern. With import restrictions looming and demand for locally raised fish climbing, 2025 could be a turning point for Nigeria’s aquaculture industry. But while the opportunity is real, the path to profitability depends on where you set up, how lean your operations are, and whether you can balance cost-cutting with quality production. A Market on the Edge of Change Nigeria needs an estimated 3.2 million metric tonnes of fish annually. Yet local production meets barely 30% of that demand. The rest comes from imports mainly mackerel, sardines, and tilapia; worth over ₦500 billion annually. A potential import ban would create an immediate supply gap, and catfish is perfectly positioned to fill it. Already a staple in Nigerian homes and...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Best Fish Feed in Nigeria for Catfish: Why Quality Matters

A few months ago, I visited a fish farm run by an ambitious aquapreneur who had high hopes for his homemade fish feed. His pond was large, his vision clear: this feed would cut costs, boost growth, and drive profitability.  But within a week, disaster struck. Fish floated belly-up. Growth stalled. The numbers didn’t add up.   The problem wasn’t the fish. It was the feed.   The catfish were growing exactly as they were fed: poorly. Just as fish can’t flourish on empty calories, a farm can’t succeed on subpar feed. The right nutrition makes the difference between a thriving business and a sinking investment.   In Nigeria’s competitive catfish farming industry, choosing the best feed isn’t just about cost, it’s about protein content, digestibility, floatability, and growth performance. The wrong feed leads to stunted growth, higher mortality, and lost profits. The right one maximizes yield, health, and market value.  In this article, we’ll explore:...
13 comments
Read more

The Practical Path to a Pet-Friendly Rental: A Data-Backed Guide

“I would have lived in a tent before I surrendered my dog ,” says Valerie Ducharme, a renter who faced the Yukon's housing crisis with her Australian shepherd. Her sentiment is common. According to a 2023 Canadian Rental Housing Index report , nearly 40% of rental households include pets, yet a systematic analysis of listings in major Canadian markets shows that less than 30% explicitly welcome them. This gap creates a logistical and emotional crisis for responsible pet owners . This guide provides a concrete strategy based on documented landlord concerns and successful tenant approaches. It replaces hope with a structured plan. 1. Reframe the Conversation from Problem to Solution Landlords decline pets based on rational risk assessment. The documented primary concerns are: Property damage (chewed moldings, stained carpets) Noise disturbances leading to tenant turnover Liability issues (dog bites) Residual allergens affecting future tenants Your application must address these poin...
Post a Comment
Read more